HELICOBACTER-PYLORI AND ATROPHIC GASTRITIS

Infection with Helicobacter pylori plays a crucial role in the etiolog y of atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer. Studies suggest a nine-fol d increased risk for both conditions in the presence of infection. The risk of atrophic gastritis in the presence of infection is dependent upon the severity of the gastritis. Gastritis is increased in subjects infected with a cytotoxic H pylori strain and in those with a decreas ed acid production. The development of atrophy may be related to the i nduction of cross-reacting antibodies recognizing Lewis epitopes on H pylori lipopolysaccharide and gastric mucosa. Future studies have to d emonstrate whether atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer can be preven ted by early H pylori eradication.