Helicobacter pylori is a microbe that lives in the stomach. It can lead to gastritis, ulcers, or swelling.
Helicobacters were found in human stomachs 100 years ago. In the 70s of the last century, they were suspected as the cause of gastritis, and in the 80s it was finally confirmed.
Globally, helicobacters are infected with about half of the population. In richer countries, 30% of adults are infected, and in poorer countries, 80%.
The dependence on the standard of living has been well traced in the example of Japan. Living conditions and hygiene habits there have changed rapidly over the past 70 years. As a result, infection in adults has decreased from 70% to 25%.
If the helicobacter has settled in the stomach, it will stay there forever.
Children under 10 years of age are usually infected.
The mechanism of infection is fecal-oral or oral-oral.
Man is a natural reservoir of helicobacter. It is believed that seals and some other animals can transmit this microbe to us.
In poorer countries, children are infected through unwashed hands, unwashed vegetables or dirty rivers.
It is believed that helicobacters can live in dental plaque, so it is better not to kiss with patients, and not to try baby food, so as not to infect them. The exact transmission mechanism has not yet been confirmed, but better beware.
But the infection through a dirty endoscope was confirmed. So a lot depends on the conscientiousness of doctors.
Often members of the same family become infected from each other. Their microbe is contained in saliva, gastric and intestinal contents.
Adults rarely become infected again. Some people believe that immunity is developed on helicobacters. Therefore, it is especially important to protect children while they are still small and vulnerable.
The vaccine for helicobacter has not yet been invented.
It is believed that innate immunity protects some people from helicobacters.
In order not to get infected, wash your hands, do not drink dirty water, wash vegetables and fruits. Don't eat with baby spoons from baby dishes, don't suck on baby nipples (I'm serious).
