H. Pylori and its Interactions with Humans in “An Endangered Species in the Stomach” by Martin J. Blaser

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In the article, “An Endangered Species in the Stomach” by Martin J. Blaser, he talks about a 60,000 year old bacterium living in the human stomach, named “Helicobacter pylori”. H. pylori was first isolated for investigation in 1982 by Barry J. Marshall and J. Robin Warren. Later researchers discovered that H. pylori was responsible for developing peptic ulcers, breaks in the lining of the stomach, or could also cause stomach cancer. For the past 100 years, there has been decrease in H. pylori bacteria in humans due to the widespread use of antibiotics and improved hygiene. At the same time, the disappearance of H. pylori caused an unexpected rise in the acid reflux disease and a deadly type of esophageal cancer. Making H pylori a vital microorganism to research in order to expand the study of microbiology and its interaction with humans.

According to Blaser, the H. pylori “is a group of extremely varied strains cooperating and competing with one another. They compete for nutrients, niches in the stomach and protection from stresses.” There can be variety of strains found in a single...

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