[Ulcer disease: new facts--new issues]

Abstract

Involvement of Helicobacter pylori in pathogenesis of ulcer, the role of inflammation induced by the bacteria and possible mechanisms of hypergastrinemia are considered. The results of therapy directed to eradication of H. pylori from the clinical and pathogenetic point of view are presented. The role of H. pylori in asymptomatic gastritis and in gastric and duodenal ulcer is discussed. The information on genetic variability of H. pylori and its strains with different pathogenicity distinguished on the basis of genes encoding vacuolising cytotoxin and cytotoxin-associated protein is provided.