The Helicobacter pyloriclassified as cancer by WHO, reaches alarming figures in Chile, exceeding 70% prevalence in the south of the country.
A worrying warning made the academic and researcher at the University of Talca, Rodrigo Moore Carrascorevealing that Chile records higher levels than the world average of infection by Helicobacter pyloria bacterium associated with gastric cancer and other serious diseases.
“The problem is more critical in the South and South Central Zonewhere a prevalence that exceeds 70% of the population”, Said the specialist. The bacteria, classified by the WHO as type 1 carcinogenit is housed in the stomach and invades different layers of the gastric tissue.
Moore indicated that, although not all carriers develop cancer, there are other complications. “It can also be related to diseases neurodegenerative o hepaticbecause their vesicles travel through the bloodstream and affect other organs, ”he explained.
In the Maule region, the panorama is aggravated by factors such as povertyhe unequal access to health and exposure to agricultural pesticides. While there is no direct evidence about these chemicals, the researcher said his presence could influence.
In addition, he highlighted the studies of the teachers Loreto Núñez y Gloria Icazawho confirmed that Access to health is decisive. “In places where there are less possibilities of medical care, deaths from gastric cancer increase,” he said.
Challenges in diagnosis and treatment:
Effective diagnosis requires a High digestive endoscopybut Access to this exam remains limited in Chile. As a comparison, Moore said that “in Japan a massive screening system with endoscopy financed by the State has implemented.”
As for treatment, combinations of antibiotics They manage to eradicate the bacteria. However, its indiscriminate use is generating bacterial resistancewhich could lead to future health crises.
An alternative under study are Natural formulas with nanotechnology. “A good example is the use of Curcumina en nanoemulsioneswhich allows to eliminate bacteria without antibiotics, ”said the academic.
The call to self -care:
The researcher called the population not Ignore persistent digestive symptoms such as acidity, reflux or feeling of fullness. “They should not be attributed only to stress or food, they are alert signs, especially in menwho lead the mortality rates for this disease, ”he warned.
Also recommended to perform endoscopic controls every two or three years In people with risk factors. The bacteria can be found in the Water, food and even in oral cavitywhere it has been linked to the Chronic gingivitis.
Finally, Moore warned that Many patients become infected again after treatment. “This bacterium can be hidden in difficult access areas, which hinders its complete eradication,” he explained.
