Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is caused by the bacteria H. pylori infecting the stomach lining. The bacteria are usually transmitted from person to person through direct contact with saliva, vomit, or feces. It can also spread through contaminated food or water
. Key causes and transmission routes include:
- Mouth-to-mouth contact, such as kissing
- Contact with vomit or stool, often due to poor hand hygiene after bowel movements
- Consumption of food or water contaminated with the bacteria
H. pylori bacteria survive stomach acid by producing an enzyme called urease, which converts urea to ammonia, protecting the bacteria and allowing them to damage the stomach lining. This damage can lead to gastritis, peptic ulcers, and in some cases, stomach cancer
. Infections are more common in children and in crowded living conditions with poor sanitation, especially in developing countries. Many infected people do not develop symptoms, but the bacteria remain in the stomach if untreated
. In summary, H. pylori infection is primarily caused by bacterial transmission through saliva, fecal contamination, and contaminated food or water, facilitated by poor hygiene and sanitation conditions
