HELICOBACTER PYLORI BEYOND THE STOMACH: WHEN THE STORY CHANGES

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is well known as an etiological agent in several gastric diseases, including chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastric carcinoma, and lymphoma. Over the past decades, the understanding of its pathogenic role has evolved substantially, overcoming initial skepticism and establishing the bacterium as a major factor in gastroduodenal disease. However, epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that this chronic infection may also be associated with a variety of extragastric conditions.

This review aims to evaluate the relationship between H. pylori infection and anemia, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, colorectal cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders.

For each association, the most recent evidence and current recommendations regarding the diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori infection during the clinical course of these conditions were assessed.

Further prospective studies are needed to clarify whether these associations represent causal relationships with clinical relevance or merely statistical correlations, and to better determine the impact of H. pylori infection on extragastric diseases.