[Expression of ABH and Lewis antigens in chronic gastritis and pre-neoplasic alterations in gastric mucosa].

Background: The major cause for chronic gastritis in human is the infection by the Helicobacter pylori. The blood group antigens present at the gastric mucous are described as possible receptor for this bacteria in the epithelium. The alterations in the expression of blood group patterns are associated with the development of gastric cancer.