[Helicobacter pylori. New apsects in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease]

Antral gastritis and peptic ulcer disease are closely related to gastric Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection. HP possesses several pathogenic features which point to a causal role of HP in the development of gastroduodenal lesions. It is now generally accepted that HP causes type B gastritis, while its role in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcers is still unsolved. According to the classical ulcer concept, peptic ulceration is the result of an imbalance between protective mucosal mechanisms and aggressive digestive factors. The identification of HP does not disprove this concept, however, HP has to be added as a major pathogenic factor.