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Overview of Helicobacter pylori Infection: Clinical Features, Treatment, and Nutritional Aspects
Merve Öztekin1, Birsen Yılmaz1,2, Duygu Ağagündüz1
1Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, Emek, Ankara 06490, Turkey.
Abstract:
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a 0.5-1 µm wide, 2-4 µm long, short helical, S-shaped Gram-negative microorganism. It is mostly found in the pyloric region of the stomach and causes chronic gastric infection. It is estimated that these bacteria infect more than half of the world's population. The mode of transmission and infection of H. pylori is still not known exactly, but the faecal-oral and oral-oral routes via water or food consumption are thought to be a very common cause. In the last three decades, research interest has increased regarding the pathogenicity, microbial activity, genetic predisposition, and clinical treatments to understand the severity of gastric atrophy and gastric cancer caused by H. pylori. Studies have suggested a relationship between H. pylori infection and malabsorption of essential micronutrients, and noted that H. pylori infection may affect the prevalence of malnutrition in some risk groups. On the other hand, dietary factors may play a considerably important role in H. pylori infection, and it has been reported that an adequate and balanced diet, especially high fruit and vegetable consumption and low processed salty food consumption, has a protective effect against the outcomes of H. pylori infection. The present review provides an overview of all aspects of H. pylori infection, such as clinical features, treatment, and nutrition.
Insights
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection affects over half the global population, potentially leading to malnutrition. Diet, particularly high fruit and vegetable intake, may offer protection against H. pylori outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common Gram-negative bacterium causing chronic gastric infections in over 50% of the world's population.
- Transmission routes are not fully understood but likely involve fecal-oral or oral-oral pathways through contaminated food or water.
- H. pylori infection is linked to gastric atrophy, gastric cancer, and malabsorption of essential micronutrients, impacting malnutrition risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of Helicobacter pylori infection.
- To explore the clinical features, treatment strategies, and nutritional aspects associated with H. pylori.
- To highlight the role of diet in modulating H. pylori infection outcomes.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes existing research on H. pylori.
- It examines epidemiological data, pathogenicity studies, and clinical treatment outcomes.
- Nutritional factors and their impact on H. pylori infection are analyzed.
Main Results:
- H. pylori infection is widespread and associated with significant gastrointestinal health issues.
- Malnutrition and micronutrient malabsorption are potential consequences of H. pylori infection.
- Dietary interventions, including increased fruit and vegetable consumption and reduced intake of processed salty foods, show protective effects.
Conclusions:
- H. pylori infection presents a substantial global health challenge with diverse clinical manifestations.
- Nutrition plays a critical role in managing and potentially preventing adverse outcomes of H. pylori infection.
- Further research into the interplay between H. pylori, host genetics, and diet is warranted for effective management strategies.
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