H pylori in 75 per cent of Indian population

H pylori is ubiquitous but more prevalent in poorer countries with improper sanitation and contaminated public water. Acquired mostly from municipal water.

Close to 75 per cent of population in India harbour this bacteria. It may remain quiescent or along with some other factors cause disease.

 “There are several billions of bacteria in the intestines mainly the large intestine. They are helpful bacteria which maintain the integrity of the lining of colon, improve immunity, synthesise certain vitamins and fatty acids. More importantly these bacteria help fighting infections and keep harmful bacteria at bay. Probiotics are these useful bacteria in billions packed in a capsule. They are consumed to repopulate the intestines with useful  in certain diarrhoea and bowel diseases, especially useful in antibiotic associated diarrhoea,” says Dr Anil Cherukuri MRCP, Focus Diagnostics.

People who carry the stomach bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori are at increased risk for ulcers and stomach cancer. “Imbalances in the gut microbiome  (between good and bad bacteria)  in the gut of the can cause be associated with various disorders e.g. inflammatory bowel disease ( Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis),” says Dr. Sundeep Lakhtakia, MD, DNB, DM, Consultant Gastroenterologist & Endosonologist, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology.

But Dr Srivenu, Gastroenterologist says, “This is just a proposition but not proven and also this alone cannot explain everything that can cause strike or cardiovascular disease. Gut bacteria as a cause is highly overrated.”

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are extremely potent drugs to suppress acid production and facilitate ulcer healing. Ulcers heal but come back because of background Helicobacter pylori infection of the stomach. “PPIs per se do not increase the risk of H. Pylori,” says Dr Srivenu, Gastrentologist.

“This bacteria is the most important  in the multifactorial aetiology of peptic ulcers and cancers of the stomach. Of late this bacteria was implicated as a cause for heart and kidney problems and also low platelet counts,” says Dr Cherukuri, Consultant Gastroenterologist

Word of caution

“Prolonged use of PPI can cause imbalance of Gut microbiome,” warns Dr Sandeep.

H pylori is implicated in the aetiology of gastritis, peptic ulcers, stomach cancers and of late heart and kidney problems