What is helicobacteraceae?

Helicobacteraceae is a family of bacteria that are spiral-shaped, Gram-negative, microaerophilic, and flagellated. The family includes the genus Helicobacter, which contains several species that can colonize the stomach and intestine of humans and animals.

One of the most well-known species in this family is Helicobacter pylori, which is known to be a major cause of peptic ulcers and gastritis in humans. It is estimated that approximately two-thirds of the world's population is infected with H. pylori, though not all infections lead to symptoms.

H. pylori is able to survive in the acidic environment of the stomach by producing urease, an enzyme that helps neutralize stomach acid. This ability to survive in the stomach lining allows the bacteria to colonize and cause inflammation in the stomach, leading to ulcers and other gastrointestinal issues.

Helicobacteraceae are typically transmitted through oral-oral or fecal-oral routes, and infection can occur through contaminated food or water. Treatment for H. pylori infections usually involves a combination of antibiotics and acid-reducing medications.