Helicobacter pylori
This is a very common bacterial infection of the stomach lining. It was first discovered by Drs Warren and Marshall (subsequently awarded the Nobel prize for their amazing finding). It is thought to be caught in childhood and is very common in developing countries. In about 10% of infected individuals the bacterium may lead to a significant increase in the amount of acid produced by the stomach and this may lead to duodenal ulceration (see Duodenal ulcer). Curing the infection (called eradication) will heal the ulcer and prevent it recurring.
The majority of people with H pylori infection will be unaware of the infection or may develop intermittent indigestion (dyspepsia); the benefit of eradication therapy in such cases is less clear cut.
There is an association between long standing infection with H pylori and an increase in the risk of developing cancer of the stomach. The latter condition is however getting less and less common in the UK and this is probably related to the decrease in the number of people infected with H pylori.