Clinical Aspects of Genetic Variability in Helicobacter pylori
Article Abstract:
It may be premature to test people to see if they have a strain of Helicobacter pylori that has the cytotoxin-associated gene A (cagA). Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium found in about half the population and even in ancient mummies. It usually infects the stomach, where is can cause ulcers and even cancer. However, only 20% of the people who have it ever develop these conditions. Helicobacter pylori that has cagA appears to be more dangerous. However, this gene increases the risk of some stomach diseases but decreases the risk of others.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2000
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Helicobacter pylori and iron deficiency
Article Abstract:
If endoscopy on a patient with unexplained iron deficiency reveals small hemorrhages in the stomach, the patient should be treated for Helicobacter pylori infection. A 1997 study of Alaskan Yupik Eskimos found that many had iron deficiency, hemorrhagic gastritis and evidence of Helicobacter pylori infection. However, there are other factors that can cause gastritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach. Some Yupiks were negative for Helicobacter pylori even though they had blood in their stools. These findings need to be confirmed in other populations.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1997
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Role of Seroconversion in Confirming Cure of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Article Abstract:
An absence of antibodies to Helicobacter pylori in blood samples from patients treated for this infection is a very good indicator that they are cured of the infection. Researchers tested blood samples and stomach biopsy samples from 23 patients treated with 14 days of bismuth, tetracycline and metronidazole for Helicobacter pylori stomach infections confirmed by stomach biopsy. Eighteen months later, 15 patients had no biopsy evidence of infection and no blood antibodies against the bacterium. The other 8 patients had persistent antibodies and biopsy-proven infection.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1998
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