Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that can cause infection in the stomach, gastritis, stomach cancer, and is a main cause for peptic ulcers. H. pylori can create issues with inflammation and autoimmunity, and has also been noted in disorders involving the thyroid, liver, joints and nervous system. Testing for H. pylori helps to determine if someone has an active or previous infection which may be causing gastrointestinal issues, and further testing can help identify what treatment plan should be taken to eliminate it. The presence of H. pylori in certain cases may not cause illness and may help protect against certain conditions such as asthma, eczema, IBD, diabtes and obesity.