Virulence Factor, oipA

H. pylori virulence factor OipA (Outer Inflammatory Protein A) - associated with gastric cancer and peptic ulcer.

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Of the 50% of the population believed to be infected with H. pylori, only 2% develop gastric cancer.

Positive H. pylori virulence factors on the GI-MAP represent the genetic potential for an H. pylori strain to cause pathology.

For example, some clinicians may choose an aggressive treatment protocol for a patient with dyspepsia and a family history of gastrointestinal cancer, who shows elevated H. pylori and positive virulence factors.  

Potential Treatment

- Asymptomatic people may not require treatment

- Consider herbal formulas to eradicate or suppress H. pylori. Ingredients may include: deglycyrrhizinated licorice, mastic gum, methylmethionine sulfonium chloride, vitamin C, zinc carnosine, bismuth citrate, berberine, goldenseal, oil of oregano, grape extract, Chinese goldthread extract, yerba mansa extract

- See pancreatic elastase-1 to determine if maldigestion and/or hypochlorhydria might be present

- Consider high-dose probiotics and 5R Protocol

- Rebuild healthy gastric mucosa by reducing stress and giving soothing and healing agents such as glutamine, aloe, DGL, and vitamin A

- Address dental hygiene; the mouth is a reservoir for H. pylori

- Consider sources of exposure, especially romantic partners or family members

- Address other imbalances on the GI-MAP

- For peptic ulcer disease, the firstline triple therapy (prescription) treatment includes a proton pump inhibitor, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin or metronidazole

- Fluoroquinolones and tetracycline are used in second-line regimens against H. pylori1

Note: Discuss with your doctor how to create a treatment plan, consider clinical history, clinical symptoms, virulence genes, and the amount of H.pylori DNA detected in order to design a customized treatment plan.