[Helicobacter pylori and malignant diseases of the stomach].

The association between Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric malignancies, cancer and MALT lymphoma, has been suggested through several lines of evidence during the last decade. Although unresolved issues still cast doubts on the real weight of these association, in the sequence of events that leads to gastric cancer or lymphoma, Helicobacter pylori appears to play a prominent role in the very initial steps as causative agent of chronic gastritis. The subsequent events in the sequence--atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia and cancer are multifactorial involving environmental agents, host response and characteristics of the bacterial strain itself.

[Gastroesophageal reflux disease and Helicobacter pylori infection].

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the common diseases of the upper gastrointestinal system. It is present in the whole world population, especially frequent in the developed countries. It evolves from pathological reflux which exposes the esophagus to the gastric contents which must overcome esophageal defense system.

[Duodenal ulcer and Helicobacter pylori infection].

The research accomplishment of Australian investigators Marshall and Warren, published in 1983, has entirely changed our understanding of ulcer genesis and proposed a new strategy in diagnostics and therapy of peptic ulcer disease. The key etiopathogenetic role of Helicobacter pylori has been recognised. Marshall confirmed on himself that Helicobacter pylori, as an infectious agent, fulfilled all Koch's postulates.

[Gastric ulcer and Helicobacter pylori infection].

Helicobacter pylori infection and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are considered to be the two major risk factors implicated in the development of gastric ulcer. Helicobacter pylori infection related chronic gastritis is known to be the underlying condition which may lead to gastric ulcer. Development of gastric ulcer as the consequence of underlying chronic gastritis is caused by many factors.

[The rapid urease test].

Today there are many methods in diagnostics of Helicobacter pylori infection. They are divided in two major groups based on using of endoscopy (invasive and non-invasive methods). Helicobacter pylori bacteria are specific because of having very big amounts of urease enzyme that divides urea on NH3 and CO2 which enables environment suitable for survival.

[The urea breath test].

Helicobacter pylori is infective cause of peptic ulcer and a risk factor for gastric carcinoma. The discovery of the bacterial ed to importance of finding a new reliable and inexpensive diagnostic method for detection of infection before and after eradication therapy. Urea breath test is isotope based test.

[Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection].

The diagnostics of Helicobacter pylori infection is now one of the most important aspects of the diagnosis of various gastroduodenal diseases. New data have shown that Helicobacter pylori is a causative agent of peptic ulcer disease and an important factor in cancer development. Numerous diagnostic tests are now available.