Edited by Dr Ding-Shinn Chen and Dr Ming-Shiang Wu
A thematic series in Journal of Biomedical Science.
Revelation of the connection between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and gastroduodenal diseases has prompted investigations pertaining to its basic and clinical aspects. The clinical spectrum of H. pylori infection ranges from asymptomatic gastritis and peptic ulcer to gastric malignancies. In addition to a crucial factor in pathogenesis of ulcer and cancer, epidemiologic and genetic analyses demonstrates H. pylori is instrumental in researches of anthropology and human migration. The variable outcomes of H. pylori are dictated by the magnitude and extent of gastritis, which is determined by host-bacterial interactions. Both genetics and bacterial virulent factors are important in inducing persistent and uncontrolled gastric inflammation and investigations in this field allow more accurate prediction of post infection outcomes. Eradication of H. pylori can not only cure gastritis and peptic ulcer but also reduce the incidence of gastric cancer. However, the optimal regimens used in the treatment of H. pylori remain to be determined in different geographic regions and should be based on the local prevalence of antibiotic resistance. Recently, the relationships between H. pylori infection and extra-gastroduodenal diseases are controversial. Moreover, the role of gastric microbiota other than H. pylori on human health and diseases remains to be elusive. This series is dedicated to reviews that include cutting-edge advances in above-mentioned aspects of H. pylori, which open up novel areas for understanding diagnosis, treatment and prevention of common upper gastrointestinal diseases.
