Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric cancer

This report outlines the results of the first prospective case-controlled study performed within a defined geographic area of southern Germany showing a significant association between Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric carcinoma (odds ratio = 2.18, 95 % confidence interval 1.04-4.56). Furthermore, it can be clearly demonstrated that no association exists between carcinoma of the gastric cardia and H. pylori infection. There is no difference in prevalence of H. pylori infection between intestinal and diffuse-type carcinoma (Lauren classification). H. pylori status determination and strain typing may be useful in identifying patient groups at risk for developing gastric carcinoma.