|
Page: Structure
Main article
| Home > Bowel and Abdominal Problems > Structure |
H. pylori is a helical shaped gram-negative bacterium, about 3 micrometres long with a diameter of about 0.5 micrometre. It has 4–6 flagella. It is microaerophilic, i.e. it requires oxygen but at lower levels than those contained in the atmosphere. It contains a hydrogenase which can be used to obtain energy by oxidizing molecular hydrogen (H2) that is produced by other intestinal bacteria. It tests positive for oxidase and catalase.
Under conditions of environmental stress, H. pylori will convert from helical to coccoid form. This coccoid form of the organism has not been cultured, but has been found in the water supply in the US and is apparently involved in the epidemiology of the bacterium. The coccoid form has also been found to be able to adhere to gastric epithelial cells in vitro.
|
Important notice:
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other
qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
|