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Helicobacter pylori (formerly named Campylobacter pylori) is a gram negative
S shaped or spiral bacillus, described as a Unipolar flagellate, 1 by 3 micrometres
in size. It is a microaerophilic, and produces urease and other toxins.
Infection with Helicobacter pylori is common in patients with peptic ulceration.
A short course of standard ulcer treatment usually heals ulceration but about
85% of patients relapse within a year. In patients with duodenal ulcer, eradication
of H. pylori causes the relapse rate to fall to 0 - 20%.
The best test for identification of H Pylori and for confirmation of eradication
is the 13C urea breath test (1).
Reference:
- BSG (2002) Dyspepsia management guidelines.
- Drugs and Therapeutics Bulletin (1993); 31(4) 4: 15.
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