Researchers at the University of Nottingham have received over £366,000 worth of funding to help them study a stomach bug which causes gastric ulcers and
cancer.
Around half of the world's population have Helicobacter pylori (Hp) residing in their stomach and are immune to the bacteria.
However, a small proportion of people lack immunity to the bug and can develop ulcers or gastric cancer.
Dr Karen Robinson, a lecturer at the Centre of Biomolecular Sciences, said: "My interest is in the immune response and how this dictates whether or not an infected person goes on to develop disease.
"Most people do not suffer any symptoms or problems from their infection but some go on to develop stomach ulcers or gastric cancer.
"Both of these conditions are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and incur enormous healthcare costs both in the UK and world-wide."
The researchers hope that their work will eventually lead to a new vaccine for people who are most at risk from the bacteria.
Treatment news : 04/05/2007
