Helicobacter Pylori Infections Summary Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that causes infection in the stomach. It is found in about two-thirds of the world’s population. It may be spread by unclean food and water, but researchers aren’t sure. It causes Peptic ulcers and can also cause stomach cancer. If you have symptoms of a peptic ulcer, your doctor will test your blood, breath or stool to see if it contains H. pylori. The best treatment is a combination of antibiotics and acid-reducing medicines. You will need to be tested after treatment to make sure the infection is gone. To help prevent an H. pylori infection, you should Wash your hands after using the bathroom and before eating Eat properly prepared food Drink water from a clean, safe source NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Helicobacter Infections National Institutes of Health Related Issues Gastritis National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Gut Feelings About Gastritis: When Your Stomach’s Sick National Institutes of Health Start Here H. pylori Infection Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Array Helicobacter pylori Nemours Foundation Stool Test: H. Pylori Antigen Nemours Foundation Specifics Helicobacter pylori and Cancer National Cancer Institute Peptic Ulcer Disease and H. pylori National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Treatments and Therapies Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Treatment (Beyond the Basics) UpToDate Children Helicobacter Pylori Infections American Academy of Pediatrics Diagnosis and Tests Helicobacter pylori Test American Association for Clinical Chemistry Find an Expert National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Journal Articles Helicobacter Pylori Infections Encyclopedia Tests for H. pylori