Be careful what you eat, avoid Helicobacter pylori disease - NIMR warns Nigerians.

Members of the public have been urged to be more conscious of their hygiene and feeding habits to avoid contracting a disease called Helicobacter pylori. 

Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria or germs that infects the stomach which can cause sores and inflammation in the lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. The infection can lead to stomach cancer in some people.

The Director of Research, Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, NIMR, Yaba, Lagos, Prof. Stella Smith, made the call in a chat with newsmen.

Professor Smith who noted that Helicobacter Pylori which according to research is a cause of two deaths in Nigeria, is transferable although, it can be treated with antibiotics.

" Food vendors and handlers should submit themselves for hygiene tests and food packaging to maintain a good standard and reduce the impact of the infection to put a stop to other food-related diseases ". Smith advised

She identified symptoms like dyspepsia (consistent heartburn), pain in the stomach, bloatedness in the stomach, belching, and early satisfaction when eating amongst others as symptoms to look out for and treatment sought.

 " Aside advocacy, education, community engagement, focus groups, there are other means of awareness on the proper medication to use which will go a long way in reducing the spread is gradually becoming an outbreak". Smith

Advising on cholera which according to Professor Smith has become a public health concern, " people should not take it with levity as the rain steps in, noting that, safe, clean and portable water should be provided to combat contact and spread ".

In his contribution, a fellow researcher of the Institute, Dr. Toyosi Raheem, said surveillance, education, provision of interventions and the right application of them are key to combating the menace.

Another fellow researcher of the Institute, Dr. Yisau Jacob, said, removal of point of contamination, is a major key player in the fight against H. Pylori.

I appeal to the host communities where research is being carried out not to be hostile to researchers as they are there in the interest of your community ". Yisau

Adding his voice to overcoming the challenge, the Director General, NIMR, Professor. John Obafunwa, an atomic pathologist said, staying away from alcohol intake, smoking, canned foods and low salt intake can help tackle infectious diseases.

Prof. Obafunwa said, "reports have shown that Environmental factors like coal or exposure to rubber, diets low in fruits and vegetables are associated with the gastric cancer".

He advised everyone to pay attention to H. Pylori and seek treatment early as this will help to eliminate the possibility of developing gastric cancer.

" H pylori does not necessarily translate to the development of gastric cancer, but, it is a function of managing the particular condition and hoping that there are no other factors superimposed". Obafunwa

He appreciated the Lagos State Government for helping to identify the majority of the cases of H. Pylori and Cholera despite its dense population.

I want the government to collaborate more and fund indigenous research in the management and treatment of H pylori, and educate people especially those in the rural areas on safe and best hygiene practices.