Helicobacter pylori: current concepts

Although first described almost a century ago, only in the last 15 years has Helicobacter pylori been characterized and associations with disease states recognized. H pylori has been linked to both gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. There is also evidence for a relationship with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, and perhaps even adenocarcinoma of the stomach. There is currently insufficient evidence to link H pylori to nonulcer dyspepsia. Current recommendations are to treat all patients with gastric or duodenal ulcers who test positive for H pylori, as therapy will significantly reduce the recurrence rate of these conditions.