Helicobacter Heilmannii Infection: Transmission And Symptoms

Helicobacter heilmannii infection is an infection caused by gram negative bacterium called helicobacter heilmannii. This bacterium is responsible for producing infection in the stomach and duodenum. Helicobacter heilmannii belongs to the same family as helicobacter pylori, however H. pylori is widely spread and a leading cause of gastritis and gastric ulcer as compared to H. heilmannii.

Anyone can suffer from H. heilmannii infection, but people with poor sanitation and living in close contact with cats and dogs are at greater risk. Diagnosis of helicobacter heilmannii infection is possible with stomach and duodenum biopsy.

Treatment of the disease is same as that of H. pylori infection. If the infection is not treated, it can lead to complications such as gastric and duodenal ulcer and gastric cancer.

Transmission Of Helicobacter Heilmannii

Helicobacter heilmannii infection as mentioned earlier is caused by a bacteria called helicobacter heilmannii. This infection has been identified in people all over the world, although more common in developing countries where there is poor sanitation facilities. Apart from humans the bacteria is also present in digestive system of cats and dogs. Its prevalence is not as common as helicobacter pylori infection, another bacteria belonging to the same genus helicobacter.

Helicobacter heilmannii infection account only 1 percent of all helicobacter infection. Both men and women can be infected with the bacteria. The bacterium infects digestive tract producing inflammation in the stomach and duodenum.

The exact nature of transmission of the bacteria is not clear but it is believed to occur by drinking contaminated water or contaminated food. People living in cramped houses and in close contact with domestic animals such as dogs, cats and pigs are at greater risk of contracting the helicobacter heilmannii.

Symptoms Of Helicobacter Heilmannii Infection

Helicobacter heilmannii infection causes damage in the stomach and duodenum lining by various enzymes and toxins generated by it. Thus it causes inflammation of stomach and duodenum lining leading to symptoms of gastritis and duodenitis. However, the severity of this infection is less than helicobacter pylori infection.

Patient suffering from helicobacter heilmannii infection suffers from nausea, vomiting, pain in stomach, loss of appetite, burning in stomach, bloating and indigestion. Many patients remain asymptomatic for long duration. If the symptoms of gastritis remain unattended, it may lead to further complications such as stomach ulcer and stomach cancer.

Diagnosis And Treatment For Helicobacter Heilmannii

Diagnosis of helicobacter heilmannii infection is quiet difficult. It needs thorough medical history and clinical examination. Certain blood tests are also done as a non invasive procedure. This blood test may detect antibodies against H.pylori as well as helicobacter heilmannii. However, definite diagnosis is only established with a biopsy from the patient’s stomach. To obtain a biopsy, the gastroenterologist inserts an endoscope into the stomach. The material is sent to the laboratory where it is analyzed for helicobacter infection.

Helicobacter heilmannii infection is rare as compared to helicobacter pylori infection. Both these bacteria produce similar symptoms, but the intensity is mild in H. heilmannii infection. They are different histologically and this characteristic is useful for distinguishing them.

The mode of treatment for helicobacter heilmannii infection is same as that of H. pylori infection. Proton pump inhibitor, antibiotics and anti amebic therapy is usually given to the patient for eradication of the pathogen.

Stomach and duodenal ulcer can be completely cured after eradication of helicobacter heilmannii infection. Recurrences are also less once the condition is treated.