Helicobacter pylori--a timeless source of lessons and research initiatives

The beginning of the H. pylori era was characterized by objections and even refusal to accept the new H. pylori-related theories. The shift from peptic ulcer disease as an acid-driven disease to a disease with an infectious etiology had to overcome major obstacles and the dogma of the stomach as a sterile organ. Strong effort and commitment of several medical disciplines with a large collection of scientific data gave decisive support to it. However what had started as a revolutionary and completely opposing concept to the one pre-existing evolved to a novel but integrative concept. The new theories were able to reconcile the new critical factor H. pylori with pre-existing knowledge carefully build up during several decades of intensive studies reserved to mechanisms regulating gastric physiology. On its way to full recognition and praise the difficult story of H. pylori has allowed the collection of many lessons which have allowed the medical and scientific profession to progress, and these lessons are also valuable for life beyond scientific boundaries.