الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is currently recognized as one of the most common chronic bacterial infections worldwide. H. pylori is the main cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric malignancies not associated with the use of non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs. It is found in half the population of the world. Its prevalence is highly variable in relation to geography, ethnicity, age, and socioeconomic factors, being high in developing countries and lower in the developed world. The ecological niche of H. pylori is the human stomach, where it establishes long term colonization of the gastric mucosa. Transmission can occur by contaminated water and indirect person to person contact. The high prevalence of the infection means that public health interventions may be required. The short term approach, however, provided that resources allow for this would be a test and treat strategy for those who are at risk for peptic ulcer disease or gastric cancer, as well as for those with troublesome dyspepsia. Consequently, H. pylori eradication is recognized to be the correct approach along with conventional therapies in the treatment of these diseases. |