[Helicobacter pylori update].

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases
• Oncology

Background:

• Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is a prevalent bacterial pathogen causing chronic gastric infections worldwide.
• Hp's pathogenicity stems from its ability to survive gastric acidity and colonize the gastric mucosa.
• Hp infection is linked to gastroduodenal ulcers, gastric atrophy, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the significance of Hp eradication in managing Hp-associated gastroduodenal ulcers.
• To detail the recommended tritherapy regimen for Hp eradication.
• To discuss the role of Hp eradication in MALT lymphoma management.

Main Methods:

• A 7-day triple therapy regimen is employed, combining a double-dosed proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin (2 g/d), and clarithromycin (0.5 g twice daily).
• Clinical outcomes and disease progression in patients with Hp infection are monitored.

Main Results:

• Hp eradication significantly modifies disease natural history, reducing ulcer recurrence and complications, particularly in duodenal ulcer disease.
• Persistent Hp infection can progress to gastric atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and gastric cancer.
• Eradication is indicated for Hp-associated MALT lymphoma, especially low-grade malignancies.

Conclusions:

• Hp eradication is essential for patients with Hp-associated gastroduodenal ulcers, improving outcomes and reducing recurrence.
• While not recommended for systematic gastric cancer prevention, Hp eradication is indicated for MALT lymphoma.
• Effective tritherapy regimens offer a successful approach to managing Hp infections and their sequelae.