NON-PYLORI HELICOBACTER INFECTIONS IN HUMANS

The spectrum of human non-pylori Helicobacter infections is expanding. Evidence for the presence of bacteria such as H. heilmannii, H. felis , H. rappini, H. cinaedi, H. fennelliae and H. pullorum has been repor ted. These bacteria are likely to be associated with different clinica l disorders. H. heilmannii is the most commonly described non-pylori H elicobacter in humans. Colonization with this bacterium is usually ass ociated with mild gastritis. In some cases, gastric ulcer disease may occur. H. heilmannii are classified as such on the basis of morphologi cal criteria. Recent phenotypical and genotypical data suggest that th is is insufficient. Therefore, for a better understanding of the relat ion between non-pylori Helicobacter species and disease, there is a ne ed for studies focusing on genetic instead of morphological criteria. (C) 1998 Rapid Science Ltd.