What is Helicobacter pylori?
Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium which infects the lining of the stomach and is responsible for a high percentage of stomach and duodenal ulcers and is associated with stomach cancer and MALT lymphoma.
According to World Gastroenterology Organization guideline, about 50% of the world population are infected. It is thought that the bacterium is spread via person-to-person contact. It is common for H. pylori to be spread between family members. When a diagnosis of H. pylori infection is made, it is now advisable for immediate family members to be also breath tested and treated.
