Helicobacter Pylori (H Pylori) can be protective
Although Helicobacter pylori, H pylori, is known for its role in gastritis, ulcers and gastric cancer, its co-evolution with humans suggests a more complex relationship.
It can offer protection against autoimmune disease, asthma, GERD, metabolic dysfunction and neurodegeneration through its immune-modulating properties and impact on gastric acid secretion.
Immunity - H pylori lowers excessive inflammation. Its colonisation is inversely correlated with autoimmune diseases eg multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, by regulating T-cell responses to suppress excessive immune activation
Asthma/Allergies - H pylori colonisation in childhood could be linked to a lower risk of asthma and allergies. A 2007 study found children with it had lower rates of these due to immune priming that prevents an overactive immune response
GERD/Oesophageal Cancer - H pylori reduces reflux by decreasing gastric acid secretion. A 2016 study showed it protects against GERD and Barrett’s oesophagus, a precursor to oesophageal cancer. The decline in H. pylori in developed countries is linked to more of these
Gut microbiome - This bacteria interacts with other gut microbes to maintain diversity. Its absence can disrupt the gut microbiota, potentially increasing the risk of dysbiotic (imbalanced) conditions like metabolic syndrome and obesity
Obesity: H pylori may help regulate body weight and metabolism. A 2014 study showed its eradication was linked higher ghrelin, our appetite-increasing hormone, which can contribute to overeating and weight gain. Populations with its persistent colonisation tend to have lower rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome
Neuroprotection - Research suggests a link between H pylori and a lower risk of neurodegenerative diseases. A 2018 study hypothesised that through immune modulation it could protect against excessive neuro-inflammation implicated in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
Whether these benefits outweigh risks depends on someone's health status, genetics, environmental factors and virulence factors.