H Pylori in Humans: Where are We Now

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the commonest chronic bacterial infections in humans, affecting nearly half of the world's population. The organism is associated with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, gastric carcinoma and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. In recent years, its role has expanded to include several extra-gastric diseases such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and iron deficiency anaemia, while an inverse association has been suggested with asthma, allergy and obesity. Considerable progress has been made in diagnosis and eradication therapy, but controversies still remain regarding screening, management of asymptomatic infection, antibiotic resistance and vaccine development. This review summarizes the current understanding of H. pylori infection, its clinical implications and future directions.