Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Helicobacter pylori infection is now recognised as a worldwide problem. It is the most common cause of chronic gastritis, and is strongly linked to peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. While the infection is usually acquired in childhood, there is typically a long period of latency with disease manifestations not appearing until adulthood.

Helicobacter pylori infection is the primary cause of gastric cancer.

Helicobacter pylori causes gastric cancer in human and in experimental animals. The link between gastritis and H. pylori is causal.