IMPORTANT ACQUISITIONS IN HELICOBACTER-PYLORI INFECTION

Recent developments in Helicobacter pylori research indicate progress in the detection of subtypes of H. pylori which may be responsible for the wide variability in clinical outcome: the most severe clinical outcome being maltoma (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma) and gastric cancer. In view of the available data, the US National Institutes for Health conference recommended eradication of H. pylori, so far exclusively for peptic ulcer disease. Successful eradication regimens with few side effects now exist, but the most recent need further confirmation in large populations. Vaccination, when available, will be the final weapon in the fight against this worldwide epidemic.