Our Special Correspondent
Hyderabad: Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) Hospitals here has officially opened the Barry Marshall Centre for H. Pylori Research, India’s first dedicated facility focused on tackling the widespread Helicobacter Pylori infection.
The center, named after Nobel Prize-winning scientist Prof. Barry Marshall, aims to revolutionize H. Pylori treatment and research in India, particularly targeting the reduction of gastric cancer rates linked to the bacterium. Prof. Marshall himself inaugurated the facility in Hyderabad, highlighting the importance of advancing research to combat the infection.
India faces a significant health burden with H. Pylori infections affecting an estimated 50-60% of the population—nearly ten times the incidence rate of diabetes. “This bacterium is the leading cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and stomach cancer, classified as a Group I carcinogen by the WHO,” explained Dr. D Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman of AIG Hospitals. With India’s high prevalence of stomach cancer attributed to H. Pylori, the center’s mission is to develop targeted treatment protocols tailored to the genetic characteristics of Indian strains.
The Barry Marshall Centre will focus on understanding the genetic diversity of H. Pylori strains in India and devising therapies tailored to these unique profiles. Dr. Reddy emphasized that combating antibiotic resistance is a critical component of the center’s research agenda. “Our goal is to optimize diagnostics, understand resistance patterns, and create personalized treatments to enhance patient outcomes,” he said. Non-invasive tests like the urea breath test and stool antigen testing will be central to this effort, particularly for individuals over 50 exhibiting gastrointestinal symptoms.
The center plans a dual strategy:
- Test and Treat – Identifying and treating individuals with H. Pylori, particularly those with symptoms.
- Scope and Treat – Utilizing advanced endoscopy and non-invasive diagnostics for high-risk patients.
This integrated approach aims to reduce the incidence of severe H. Pylori-related diseases and improve patient care across India.
Following the inauguration, Prof. Marshall joined top gastroenterologists in a round table discussion to explore innovative strategies for addressing antibiotic resistance and infection patterns unique to India. The discussions laid the groundwork for future initiatives to standardize treatment protocols nationwide.
Prof. Marshall, whose groundbreaking research on H. Pylori earned him the Nobel Prize in 2005, expressed optimism about the center’s impact: “By focusing on prevention and early treatment, we aim to significantly lower stomach cancer rates in India.”
The center’s outreach efforts will emphasize public education, early testing, and adherence to treatment, with a long-term goal of eradicating H. Pylori infections in India. Dr. Reddy emphasized that the initiative could set a benchmark for national and global strategies to combat gastric diseases.
Prof. Marshall is also set to deliver a keynote lecture at the IMA TGCON conference, sharing insights on his pioneering work with H. Pylori.
With this initiative, AIG Hospitals positions itself as a leader in advancing gastrointestinal healthcare, paving the way for a healthier future in India.
