Research links H. pylori cases to stomach cancer

Sharing utensils, eating items, and drinking water directly from the tap are common practices in many homes, restaurants, and schools. Many assume that the water is treated at its source and that utensils are thoroughly washed.

However, the rise of unscrupulous individuals, particularly in the food industry, has exposed many to diseases such as H. pylori (Heliobacter pylori), a common type of bacteria that attacks the stomach lining and is usually passed from a person to another.

Rose Njeri, now 29, recalls her first encounter with H. Pylori when she was in Form Two. She suffered a prolonged illness before she got a diagnosis.

"I went to the matron several times, and she kept giving me painkillers but I wasn’t recovering. When I finally saw a doctor, I was diagnosed with H. pylori. However, I kept getting re-infected," Njeri said.

Reflecting on her initial symptoms, Njeri remembered feeling deeply embarrassed and frightened, especially since the illness was accompanied by nausea.

"These symptoms were often mistaken for signs of pregnancy, leading to extensive questioning and gossip," she said.

She revealed that those days, drinking water from the school tank was the norm.

"Since clean water was scarce, everyone would bring their cups and drink directly from the school tank, assuming the water was clean and safe for consumption," she explained.

Years later, at her workplace, Njeri revealed that she has battled the H. pylori infections multiple times, which has been a constant worry for her. Despite experiencing interference with her sense of taste during the 21-day course of medication, she was advised to complete the dose and to avoid drinking unclean water.

"I have missed taking the drugs so many times, and the doctor advised that frequent non-adherence is a reason for constant reinfection because the body becomes resistant," she said.

Njeri also revealed that her frequent reinfections resulted in financial strain due to the high cost of H. pylori medication.

H. pylorus can cause various digestive disorders. It is a common bacterium that infects about half of the world's population, according to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC). People with H. pylori often don’t show specific symptoms and may feel fine.

Dr Salad Ali of Zazi Hospital in Eastleigh. (Handout)

According to Dr Salad Ali of Zazi Hospital in Eastleigh, the prevalence of H. pylori cases in the neighbourhood is due to poor hygiene practices.

"H. pylori is very common in Eastleigh due to poor hygiene; many people don’t wash their hands properly before and after eating, which is also a significant contributing factor," Salad said.

He said common symptoms of H. pylori infection include abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, nausea, and loss of appetite, adding that one needs to urgently seek medical attention when these symptoms show.

"In severe cases, it can lead to peptic ulcers," he said.

"H. pylori can lead to severe and continuous inflammation, damaging the stomach lining. If left untreated, it can progress to cause peptic ulcers. It’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly when symptoms arise The bacteria can neutralise stomach acid, creating an environment conducive for their growth."

According to the World Gastroenterology Organisation, Africa has the highest prevalence of H. pylori infection (70.1 per cent) compared to Oceania/Australia with the lowest prevalence of 24.4 per cent. Nigeria has the highest global prevalence of 87.7 per cent with Switzerland having the lowest prevalence of 18.9 per cent.

Effective preventive measures include rigorous handwashing and prompt testing and treatment upon detection of symptoms.

Salad emphasised the importance of thorough treatment for H. pylori, adding that food handlers need regular medical check-ups.

He warned against consuming poorly cooked food and not completing the prescribed medication.

"We’ve observed cases where patients did not complete their treatment after experiencing temporary relief from symptoms, contributing to incomplete eradication of the disease and leading to persistent reinfection."

According to Salad, incomplete treatment can lead to bacterial resistance, necessitating changes in medication.

"We’ve encountered instances where patients developed gastric perforation due to incomplete dosing. It’s critical for patients to understand the importance of adherence to medical advice and complete treatment."

Salad emphasised the importance of incorporating fruits into the diet, stating that they play a crucial role in maintaining health.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), H. pylori infection is a major cause of peptic ulcers and stomach inflammation worldwide. It often leads to a persistent burning pain in the upper abdomen. Some people may also experience symptoms like reduced appetite, nausea, or vomiting.

H. pylori infection is the strongest known risk factor for a type of stomach cancer called non-cardia gastric adenocarcinoma. People with this infection have a 2 to 6 times higher chance of developing gastric cancer and a type of lymphoma known as MALT lymphoma, compared to those without the infection.

Diagnosing H. pylori infection can be done through different tests, like stool analysis, breath tests, or examining tissue samples. A positive test indicates either a current or past infection.