Publication Details
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative, 0.5-1 μm wide and 2-4 μm long, short spiral microorganism. It is found mostly in the pyloric region of the stomach and causes chronic gastric infection. It is estimated that this bacterium infects more than half of the world's population. The exact mode of transmission of H. pylori infection is still unknown, but fecal-oral routes through water or food consumption are thought to be a very common cause. In the past three decades, research interest has increased regarding pathogenesis, bacterial activity, genetic predisposition, and clinical treatments to understand the severity of gastric atrophy and gastric cancer caused by H. pylori. Studies have suggested an association between H. pylori infection and malabsorption of essential micronutrients, and have noted that H. pylori infection may influence the prevalence of malnutrition in some at-risk groups. On the other hand, dietary factors may play a major role in H. pylori infection, and an adequate and balanced diet, especially high consumption of fruits and vegetables and low consumption of processed salty foods, has been reported to have 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.