Scientists believe they have found a new way of tackling the bug responsible for peptic ulcers and other stomach diseases.
The Nottingham University researchers say it should be possible to develop new treatments against helicobacter pylori.
The researchers used powerful x-rays to study how the bacteria attach themselves to the stomach wall.
They say it is achieved using a "finely tuned" network of hydrogen bonds.
They have reported their findings in Science Advances.
Researcher Dr Franco Falcone said: “While this study answers long-standing questions about how H. pylori colonises the stomach, it represents the very first step in the development of novel therapies.
"The next few years of laboratory-based research will be crucial to determine if an anti-BabA adhesion approach is viable and can progress to clinical development."
He added: "A similar approach is already showing promising results for the treatment of urinary tract infections in preclinical models."
Structural basis of Lewisb antigen binding by the Helicobacter pylori adhesin BabA Science Advances 14 August 2015 [abstract]
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