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| The stomach is protected from its own gastric juice by a thick layer of mucus that covers the stomach lining. Urease converts urea, of which there is an abundant supply in the stomach (from saliva and gastric juices), into bicarbonate and ammonia, which are strong bases. This creates a cloud of acid-neutralizing chemicals around the H. pylori, protecting it from the acid in the stomach. Contributing to the protection of H. pylori is the fact that the body's natural defenses cannot reach the bacterium in the mucous lining of the stomach. The immune system will respond to an H. pylori infection by sending white cells, killer T-cells, and other infection-fighting agents. Extra nutrients are sent to reinforce the white cells, and the H. pylori can feed on this. Within a few days, gastritis and perhaps eventually a peptic ulcer results. H. pylori is believed to be transmitted orally. Many researchers believe that H. pylori is transmitted orally by means of fecal matter through the ingestion of waste-tainted food or water. The bacterium could then be transmitted through oral contact. |
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