UAB researchers are investigating a potential connection between a common stomach bacteria and the incidence of heart disease among African-Americans. The bacteria H. pylori is found in the lining of the stomach and is known to cause ulcers and cancer. It may also be linked to other diseases. “H. pylori causes inflammation, which can contribute to other diseases,” said Mohammad A. Khaled, Ph.D., professor of nutrition sciences.

Nearly half of all African-Americans are infected with the bacteria, a much higher percentage than in whites in the U.S. Khaled’s study is screening African-Americans for the more virulent strains of H. pylori to look for evidence of inflammation and heart disease.