Helicobacter pylori–can the mechanisms of pathogenesis guide us towards novel strategies for treatment and prevention?

Falk P (Gastrointestinal Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine, the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden and the Department of Molecular Biology and Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA). Helicobacter pylori —Can the mechanism of pathogenesis guide us towards novel strategies for treatment and prevention? (Review). J Intern Med 1996; 240: 319–32. Helicobacter pylori establishes a chronic infection in the stomach of humans. The infection is associated with a low grade inflammatory response in the epithelium that can develop into chronic active gastritis, peptic ulcer disease or neoplasia. Antibiotics have dramatically decreased the rate of recurrence of peptic ulcers. However, antibiotic resistance is already evident, casting doubts on the future efficacy of these strategies. The link between childhood infection and severe health problems, including increased risk for gastric tumours motivate efforts to develop vaccines. Characterization of the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis will pave the way for novel strategies for treatment and prevention of H. pylori infection.