HELICOBACTER-PYLORI AND THE EVOLUTION OF GASTRITIS

Following the isolation of Helicobacter pylori from the stomachs of pa tients with peptic ulcer in 1982, intensive research has examined the relationship between this organism and gastritis. H. pylori affects th e grade and activity of gastritis, the quality of surface epithelial c ells, and the nature of mucus production. Gastritis results from a dir ect action, involving bacterial cytotoxins and enzymes, and also in an indirect way through the effect of monocyte and granulocyte infiltrat ion. Eradication of H. pylori leads to the long-term healing of gastri tis. H. pylori is also associated with intestinal metaplasia and the d evelopment of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). Regression of MALT lymphomas has been reported after H. pylori eradication treatment .