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Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Gastric Mucosa Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Analysis for Detecting Helicobacter pylori and Antibiotic Resistance
Published on: March 7, 2025
Helicobacter pylori and extragastric diseases -- other helicobacters
Antonio Gasbarrini1, Emilia Carloni, Giovanni Gasbarrini
1Istituti di Patologia Medica e Medicina Interna, Universita Cattolica, Rome 00168, Italy. angiologia@rm.unicatt.it
Insights
Helicobacter pylori infection is increasingly linked to extragastric diseases, with potential roles in cardiovascular and hepatobiliary conditions. Further research and improved detection methods are crucial for understanding these complex associations.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a known cause of gastritis and peptic ulcers.
- Emerging evidence suggests H. pylori and other Helicobacter species may contribute to extragastric conditions.
- The role of specific strains, like CagA-positive H. pylori, is under investigation for various diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the expanding role of Helicobacter pylori and related species in extragastric diseases.
- To highlight the potential involvement of these bacteria in cardiovascular and hepatobiliary conditions.
- To discuss advancements in Helicobacter detection and the use of animal models.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating H. pylori and extragastric diseases.
- Analysis of evidence linking H. pylori, particularly CagA-positive strains, to cardiovascular diseases like stroke.
- Examination of research on enterohepatic helicobacters in hepatobiliary diseases.
- Overview of newly identified Helicobacter species and molecular detection techniques.
- Discussion of Helicobacter felis as a model organism.
Main Results:
- While definitive proof is often lacking, H. pylori is implicated in several extragastric diseases, notably hematologic conditions.
- CagA-positive H. pylori strains may play a role in cardiovascular diseases, including stroke.
- Enterohepatic helicobacters, beyond H. pylori, are increasingly recognized for their involvement in hepatobiliary diseases.
- New Helicobacter species are continually being discovered, necessitating improved diagnostic tools.
Conclusions:
- The association between H. pylori infection and extragastric manifestations is a growing area of research.
- Further investigation is required to establish causal links and understand the mechanisms involved.
- Advancements in molecular methods are essential for accurate diagnosis and the study of diverse Helicobacter species.
Abstract:
The role of Helicobacter pylori infection is explored in more and more extragastric diseases without definite proof in most of the studies, except possibly some hematologic diseases. In cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, the presence of CagA positive strains may be involved. The possible role of helicobacters in hepatobiliary diseases goes beyond that of H. pylori to involve enterohepatic helicobacters. New Helicobacter species are regularly described and molecular methods are developed to improve their detection. Helicobacter felis remains the major species to be used in animal models of Helicobacter infection.
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