Helicobacter pylori:
Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative, spiral-shaped bacterium that colonizes the gastric mucosa of humans. It possesses multiple flagella, allowing it to move through the mucus layer and attach to the epithelial cells lining the stomach. H. pylori is well-adapted to the acidic environment of the stomach and is a major cause of various gastrointestinal diseases.

Diseases caused by Helicobacter pylori:
H. pylori is a key player in the development of various gastrointestinal disorders, with its most notable association being peptic ulcer disease (PUD). It can lead to the formation of gastric and duodenal ulcers by disrupting the protective mucous layer and inducing inflammation. Chronic infection with H. pylori is also a significant risk factor for the development of gastric adenocarcinoma and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Additionally, it contributes to chronic gastritis, a precursor to more severe conditions.

Detection and Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori:
Diagnosing H. pylori infection involves several methods, including non-invasive and invasive approaches. Serological tests, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) like the assays available here, can detect specific antibodies against Helicobacter pylori. Invasive tests involve obtaining gastric biopsy specimens during endoscopy for histological examination, bacterial culture, or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics and acid-suppressing medications to eradicate the infection.