Case studies

Question 1

What is helicobacter pylori?

Answer 1

It is a bacteria that can lead to ulcers and gastritis. It can be seen using the Giemsa stain.

Question 2

What are the complications of H.Pylori?

Answer 2

• haemorrhage
• perforation
• obstruction
• cancer
  Almost all GI diseases have these complications

Question 3

What effects does H. pylori have on the stomach?

Answer 3

• inflammation
• cell damage: atrophy, metaplasia (goblet cells), dysplasia
• neoplasia: lymphoma, adenocarcinoma

mucus becomes thin

Question 4

What are the causes of gastritis (inflammation)?

Answer 4

• drugs
• infectious agents
• immunological agents: autoimmune

Question 5

What is H. pylori classification as a carcinogen?

Answer 5

Helicobacter pylori is the only bacterium that has a grade 1 classification as a carcinogen.

Question 6

There are three types of plaques, what are they?

Answer 6

• quiescent plaque: limited inflammation, asymptomatic
• stable: limited inflammation, symptoms of ischaemia (can lead to lower limb ischaemia and angina)
• vulnerable: intense inflammation, prone to rupture, thrombosis and acute ischaemia

Question 7

Which cancers are caused by H.pylori?

Answer 7

The bacteria has a profound effect on the epithelia and the lymphocytes of the stomach - hence can lead to adenocarcinoma and lymphomas.