What is the Difference Between Helicobacter Pylori and Campylobacter Jejuni

The key difference between Helicobacter pylori and Campylobacter jejuni is that Helicobacter pylori is a gastrointestinal pathogen that mainly causes gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer, while Campylobacter jejuni is a gastrointestinal pathogen that mainly causes diarrhoeal disease such as food poisoning.

Both Helicobacter pylori and Campylobacter jejuni are two gastrointestinal pathogens in humans. They are highly prevalent Gram-negative, microaerophilic bacteria. Both these bacteria produce endotoxins. The endotoxin molecules of both these bacterial species contribute to their pathogenesis. Moreover, the endotoxins of Helicobacter pylori and Campylobacter jejuni also induce autoreactive antibodies, as well.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Helicobacter pylori  
3. What is Campylobacter jejuni
4. Similarities – Helicobacter Pylori and Campylobacter Jejuni
5. Helicobacter Pylori vs Campylobacter Jejuni in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Helicobacter Pylori vs Campylobacter Jejuni

What is Helicobacter pylori?

Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative, microaerophilic, helical bacterium found in the stomach. Its helical structure evolved in order to penetrate the mucoid lining of the stomach. Helicobacter pylori was first identified by Barry Marshall and Robin Warren and it was formerly known as Campylobacter pylori. Helicobacter pylori mainly causes gastritis and gastric ulcers of the stomach or first part of the intestine.

It is also associated with various cancers of the stomach, esophagus, colon, rectum, or tissues around the eye. However, recent studies show that non-pathogenic strains of Helicobacter pylori may be beneficial to normalize stomach acid secretion and regulate appetite. In addition to that, some studies indicate Helicobacter pylori prevents a wide range of other diseases. In 2015, it was estimated that over 50 % world’s population had Helicobacter pylori in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

The typical symptoms of Helicobacter pylori infection may include dull pain that does not go away, pain after 2 to 3 hours after eating, pain in the middle of the night when the stomach is empty, pain that goes away when eating or taking medicine like antacids, weight loss, not feeling hungry, swelling or bloating, burping, having an upset stomach or nausea, and vomiting. This infection can be diagnosed through blood tests, stool tests, breath tests, and upper endoscopy. Furthermore, treatment options for Helicobacter pylori infection may include medicines like antibiotics, H₂ blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and stomach lining protectors.

What is Campylobacter jejuni?

Campylobacter jejuni is a gastrointestinal pathogen that mainly causes food poisoning in Europe and United States. This bacterium is associated with the development of Guillain-Barre syndrome and reactive arthritis. It is a helical-shaped, non-spore-forming, Gram-negative, microaerophilic, non-fermenting motile bacterium. It has a single flagellum at one or both poles of the structure. Campylobacter jejuni is also oxidative positive and grows optimally at 37 to 42 °C.

The typical symptoms of Campylobacter jejuni infection include bloody diarrhoea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, and headache. Moreover, Campylobacter jejuni infection can be diagnosed through laboratory culturing tests on stool, body tissue, and fluid and rapid diagnostic test on genetic material such as PCR. Furthermore, Campylobacter jejuni infection can be treated through antibiotics such as azithromycin and erythromycin and by taking extra fluids.

What are the Similarities Between Helicobacter Pylori and Campylobacter Jejuni?

• Helicobacter pylori and Campylobacter jejuni are two gastrointestinal pathogens in humans.
• Both bacteria are highly prevalent Gram-negative and microaerophilic bacteria.
• They produce endotoxins.
• The endotoxins molecules of both these bacterial species contribute to their pathogenesis and induce autoreactive antibodies as well.
• Both these bacteria cause complications if not treated properly.
• The infections caused by both these bacteria can be diagnosed through laboratory culturing tests.
• The infections caused by both these bacteria can be treated through antibiotics.

What is the Difference Between Helicobacter Pylori and Campylobacter Jejuni?

Helicobacter pylori is a gastrointestinal pathogen that mainly causes gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer, while Campylobacter jejuni is a gastrointestinal pathogen that mainly causes diarrhoeal diseases such as food poisoning. Thus, this is the key difference between Helicobacter pylori and Campylobacter jejuni. Furthermore, Helicobacter pylori causes chronic gastrointestinal infections, while Campylobacter jejuni causes acute gastrointestinal infections.

The below infographic presents the differences between Helicobacter pylori and Campylobacter jejuni in tabular form for side by side comparison.

Summary – Helicobacter Pylori vs Campylobacter Jejuni

Helicobacter pylori and Campylobacter jejuni are two gastrointestinal pathogens in humans. Both these bacteria are highly prevalent Gram-negative, microaerophilic pathogenic bacteria. Helicobacter pylori is a gastrointestinal pathogen that mainly causes gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. Campylobacter jejuni is a gastrointestinal pathogen that mainly causes diarrhoeal diseases such as food poisoning. So, this summarizes the difference between Helicobacter pylori and Campylobacter jejuni.

Reference:

1. “Helicobacter Pylori.”  Johns Hopkins Medicine, 19 Nov. 2019.
2. “Campylobacter Jejuni.” Campylobacter Food Poisoning, 23 Oct. 2022.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Helicobacter pylori, Gastric Mucosa, Giemsa stain” By Ed Uthman (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
2. “ARS Campylobacter jejuni” By De Wood, Pooley, USDA, ARS, EMU. – Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific research agency. (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia