The importance of Helicobacter - Also beyond the stomach

The discovery of H. pylori as causative agent for peptic ulcers was a miles tone in gastroenterology. Apart fi om peptic ulcer, H, pylori may play a ro le in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjo egren's syndrome and hepatic encephalopathy. These associations are still c ontroversial and need further studies. Other strains (H. hills, Ii. hepatic us, H. rappani, II. pullorum) may cause chronic hepatobiliary diseases or d iarrhea. The possible role of such strains in carcinogenesis is very intere sting and should bt further explored.