Revolutionary mini sensor: Breathe easily against Helicobacter pylori!

Revolutionary mini sensor: Breathe easily against Helicobacter pylori!

Ulm, Deutschland - A new miniaturizable sensor system developed at the University of Ulm promises a revolutionary method to diagnose infections with Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium is known to cause serious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including stomach ulcers, gastritis and even stomach cancer. Previous methods of detection are complex and expensive, while the new sensor offers an inexpensive alternative based on an innovative infrared technology approach. According to Uni Ulm sink.

The new sensor system uses a spectroscopic process from the middle infrared range (me), which is cheaper and better miniaturizable than conventional mass spectrometry. Professor Boris Mizaikoff and his team developed the technology and presented ACS Sensors in the journal. The system recognizes the enzyme urea, which is produced by Helicobacter pylori and divides urea in carbon dioxide and ammonia. In order to ensure a more precise analysis, the researchers use carbon (13c) to use the bacterially generated carbon dioxide from what that exhales people.

technical innovation

The sensor is characterized by a reduced reaction room that reinforces the light gas interaction. This room consists of two airtight sealed aluminum panels with a channel for the air we breathe, which makes the test results precisely and reliable. The gas cell was reduced from ten to three centimeters without losing measurement accuracy. This technological novelty could make the diagnosis and therapy of Helicobacter pylori infections considerably easier.

The infection with Helicobacter pylori is widespread; About 50% of the global population are affected. The transfer is usually carried out in childhood and can remain untreated for a lifetime. Untreated, the infection can lead to chronic gastritis, which often leads to serious gastroduodenal diseases such as stomach ulcers and stomach cancer. According to pmc , the bacterium is an important risk factor for stomach cancer.

epidemiology and treatment

The global prevalence rates of Helicobacter pylori infections have decreased in recent years, from 50-55 % to 43 % between 2014 and 2020, which is due to improved living conditions and the use of antibiotics. Nevertheless, the treatment remains complex, especially in view of the increasing antibiotic resistance to important drugs such as Clarithromycin and Metrronidazole. Test results and treatment strategies must therefore be selected depending on patient -specific factors and local resources to ensure effective treatment. The approach to this infection through test-and-treatment strategies is considered particularly important, especially for risk groups that can develop stomach cancer.