The Natural Habitat of Helicobacter Pylori (HP) Bacteria

In recent times, the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infections in the human stomach has been on the rise, contributing to issues such as stomach ulcers and stomach cancer. This article explores the environments in which HP bacteria thrive, their survival mechanisms, and treatment options.

1. Where Do HP Bacteria Reside?

HP bacteria primarily inhabit the stomach, making it their main residence. These microorganisms can also be found in other locations, including the mouth (in dental plaque and saliva), esophagus, duodenum, colon, Meckel's diverticulum, and areas with gastric metaplasia. In the human stomach, HP bacteria demonstrate a unique ability to withstand and flourish in highly acidic conditions, making them the sole bacterial species capable of surviving and thriving there. Nevertheless, their vitality weakens outside their natural habitat, with a notably shorter lifespan.
Apart from the stomach, HP bacteria exist in various niches such as the oral cavity, intestinal tract, and sinus cavity. They thrive in the mucus layer beneath the stomach's mucosa, and they have developed strategies to evade the body's immune defenses. HP bacteria have even been detected in water bodies, canals, food, and feces.

In natural environments, HP bacteria exist in two forms: spirochetes and cocci. In a spiral form, they can survive in water for only a few hours, whereas in a spherical form, they can endure for up to one year.

2. How Do HP Bacteria Survive in the Stomach?

HP bacteria are equipped with a flexible flagellum system that enables them to navigate the hostile gastric environment by avoiding the impact of stomach acid. Additionally, these bacteria secrete enzymes that help regulate the pH of their surrounding environment, allowing them to persist in the acidic milieu of the stomach.

3. How Long Do HP Bacteria Live in the Stomach Environment?

The lifespan of HP bacteria is influenced by their living environment, and it is mainly determined by the human host. Under normal conditions, HP bacteria can continue to thrive and grow. However, when the host's immunity fights back, these bacteria may perish. The presence of a favorable environment within the gastric mucosa allows HP bacteria to multiply and flourish. Therefore, to completely eradicate stomach HP, appropriate and precise medical treatment is necessary.

4. How Long Can HP Bacteria Survive Outside the Stomach Environment?

Outside the stomach, the survival of HP bacteria is limited. These bacteria can briefly persist in soil, air, and water. In the soil, their lifespan is a matter of hours, but they can adapt to prolong their existence. In the air, the survival time of HP bacteria is determined by factors like humidity and temperature, ranging from 60 minutes to 4 hours. In water, their survival duration varies based on water temperature, with spherical HP bacteria capable of living for extended periods, even up to more than a year. Boiling water at 100 degrees Celsius will lead to the death of HP bacteria.
Even when outside the human body, HP bacteria maintain a certain level of viability and infectivity. Therefore, attention to water and food sources is essential to minimize the risk of HP bacteria transmission.

5. Treatment of HP Bacteria

Due to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance resulting from the excessive use of antibiotics and patient non-compliance with medication regimens, treating HP bacteria has become more challenging and time-consuming. A common approach is a four-drug regimen administered over a two-week period.

To assess the effectiveness of HP bacteria eradication, patients should discontinue antibiotics or bismuth for at least one month and stop using acid-reducing or acid-neutralizing drugs for at least two weeks. It's clear that HP bacteria exhibit significant vitality and replication within the stomach environment, underscoring the importance of proactive measures to prevent infection.