Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Upper Gastrointestinal Disease

Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the most common bacterial infections in humans, being present in over a half of the world population. Helicobacter pylori infection, by itself, does not necessarily produce the symptoms of gastrointestinal tract diseases, but certainly presents a risk for their development. The clinical outcome of Helicobacter pylori infection depends on the interaction of numerous factors: the virulence of a bacterial strain, genetic predisposition and premorbid host conditions, as well as the environmental factors. Accordingly, a diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection will be of clinical relevance only if it is necessary to establish the cause of a disease associated with this infection. Thus, a thorough knowledge of the diseases associated with Helicobacter pylori infection is a key factor in any relevant assessment of the need for eradication therapy.