‘Gastritis, peptic ulcer are genetic infections’

Prof Barry Marshall, Nobel laureate for discovering Helicobacter pylori and its role in gastritis and peptic ulcer, stated that 90 per cent of Helicobacter pylori infections are genetic, often transmitted from mother to child, between partners, or through close contact, as well as through food and water habits.
Prof Marshall inaugurated AIG Hospital’s first Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) Research Centre, which aims to address rising stomach cancer rates in India through advanced diagnostics, personalised treatment and global expertise.
Highlighting the infection’s impact, Prof Marshall noted, “This is a significant health concern for the Indian population. Although the bacteria may remain asymptomatic, if one family member is diagnosed with H pylori, the entire family should undergo testing, such as the breath test.”
He recommended testing for children at 16 to help detect potential infections and initiate timely treatment, emphasising that post-treatment precautions are essential to prevent reinfection.
Dr D Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman of AIG Hospitals, highlighted that H pylori infections have a prevalence rate of 50-60 in India, which is nearly 10 times the diabetes incidence rate. In Telangana, where clean drinking water is more accessible, infection rates are reportedly lower.
H pylori infection can lead to chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and notably, stomach cancer, classified as a Group I carcinogen by the WHO, with an estimated 10 per cent leading to ulcers and 1 per cent progressing to cancer.
AIG Hospitals’ Research Centre will study genetic variations in the Indian population to identify specific risk factors and develop tailored therapies.
A primary focus will be improving diagnostic protocols for symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, especially those over 50. For persistent digestive symptoms, first-line diagnostic tools such as endoscopy, urea breath tests, stool antigen tests and serology will be recommended, said Nageshwar Reddy.