Association of Helicobacter pylori infection with gastric cancer

Background: Helicobacter pylori has generated public health interest since its identification in 1983, Past studies have suggested that the bacterium plays a role in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer, More recent studies sup port the conclusion that the association of H, pylori with gastric cancer i s causal, The purpose of this article is to review the available evidence s upporting the association of H, pylori with gastric cancer. Methods: We per formed a critical review of the relevant literature published in the Englis h language on H. pylori and gastric cancer using MEDLINE, Index Medicus for the years 1985 to 1997, The reference lists of selected articles also were reviewed to capture citations for further pertinent studies. Results: H, p ylori is thought to be the major cause of chronic atrophic gastritis. H. py lori gastritis is worldwide in distribution. H. pylori is now categorized b y the International Agency for Cancer Research as a group 1 carcinogen, i.e ., an agent that is carcinogenic to humans. Several reports from the United States have found the highest frequencies of gastric cancer in geographic areas and populations with the highest rates of acquisition of H. pylori in fection. The high prevalence of Il. pylori infection has been documented mo st notably in blacks and Hispanics, who also are at high risk for gastric c ancer, Conclusions: New studies that focus on the epidemiology and patholog y of H. pylori improve our understanding of its relationship with gastric c ancer and advance the development of gastric cancer prevention and control strategies that are proposed.