The role of Helicobacter pylori in the pathogenesis of acid-peptic disease.
Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) is likely the most common cause of chronic active gastritis in humans. Also, H pylori has been found in up to 100% of patients with peptic ulcer disease. Recent studies have shown that long-term infection by H pylori is associated with an increased risk of developing gastric carcinoma. The mechanism(s), however, by which H pylori causes gastritis or leads to the development of peptic ulcers and gastric cancer is not well understood. The prevalence of H pylori gradually increases with age and is much higher in underdeveloped countries. In the United States, H pylori is present in 50% to 60% of people 60 years of age and older. The prevalence of H pylori in African Americans in the United States is approximately 38% higher than that in whites in all age groups. The route of transmission of this organism is unknown, but it is most likely from person to person. H pylori infection has been rather difficult to eradicate. At present, the most effective antimicrobial therapy includes bismuth salts and two antibiotics plus an H2-receptor antagonist.
Smoot
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Department of Medicine, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC.
Scott
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000382:microbiology*; D005756:Gastritis / Q000382:microbiology*; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D010437:Peptic Ulcer / Q000382:microbiology*; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D008795:Metronidazole