Campylobacter pylori: a newly recognized infectious agent in the gastrointestinal tract
1Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
Abstract:
Recent experience with the gastritis-associated organism Campylobacter pylori is reviewed, placing special emphasis on pathologic aspects. C. pylori is a spiral, gram-negative, urease-producing bacillus that has been found to infect the stomach in many people. C. pylori organisms are readily seen overlying the gastric epithelium, often in large numbers. Demonstration in gastric biopsies with silver stains is most vivid, but other faster, simpler stains such as Giemsa, acridine orange, and, at times, hematoxylin-eosin are satisfactory for routine purposes. The frequent occurrence of C. pylori in persons with chronic active gastritis has been confirmed in medical centers around the world. In addition, epidemiological, serological, pathological, and clinical observations suggest that C. pylori infection occurs in stomachs of duodenal ulcer patients with a frequency approaching 100%, and the infection may be relevant to pathogenesis or therapeutic response in duodenal ulcer disease. C. pylori probably also causes an acute infectious gastritis associated with hypochlorhydria. C. pylori still requires extensive investigation to establish its pathogenic role in upper gastrointestinal disorders, but evidence continues to accumulate that such a role exists and that it may be important.
Insights
Campylobacter pylori, a spiral bacterium, is linked to chronic active gastritis and nearly all duodenal ulcers. Further research is needed to confirm its role in upper gastrointestinal disorders.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Campylobacter pylori is a spiral, gram-negative, urease-producing bacillus infecting the stomach.
- This organism is frequently found overlying the gastric epithelium.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent experience with Campylobacter pylori, focusing on its pathologic aspects.
- To discuss the organism's association with gastritis and duodenal ulcers.
Main Methods:
- Review of pathological and clinical observations.
- Microscopic examination of gastric biopsies using various staining techniques (silver stains, Giemsa, acridine orange, hematoxylin-eosin).
Main Results:
- Campylobacter pylori is frequently found in patients with chronic active gastritis worldwide.
- Infection rates approach 100% in duodenal ulcer patients, suggesting a role in pathogenesis or treatment response.
- The organism may cause acute infectious gastritis associated with hypochlorhydria.
Conclusions:
- Accumulating evidence suggests Campylobacter pylori plays a significant role in upper gastrointestinal disorders.
- Further extensive investigation is required to fully establish its pathogenic role.
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