Abstract

JIMENEZ JIMENEZ, Geiner. Helicobacter pylori as an emerging pathogen in the human being. Rev. costarric. salud pública [online]. 2018, vol.27, n.1, pp.65-78. ISSN 1409-1429.

Since the discovery of Helicobacter pylori as a pathogenic infectious agent in humans, it has been linked to different gastric diseases in humans (peptic ulcer, gastric adenocarcinoma and MALT lymphoma). In recent years, its potential etiological relationship with extradigestive diseases has also been found, such as iron deficiency anemia and immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

The understanding of the host defense mechanisms as well as the virulence and pathogenicity factors of the bacteria has allowed us to establish indications in which antibiotic eradication provides a clinical benefit, mainly for gastric diseases. Recently there has been growing evidence of the benefit of this therapy in other digestive and non-digestive conditions and has even shown a potential impact with the population's screening and eradication strategy of the bacteria for diseases of high morbidity and mortality such as gastric cancer.

The increase in the use of antimicrobial therapy has gone hand in hand with the emergence of resistance to the antibiotics used, which leads to a public health problem.

This thematic review aims to update the biological and clinical concepts of the infection and demonstrate that this infection should still be considered as emerging.

Keywords : helicobacter pylori; natural history; virulence factors; pathogenicity; peptic ulcer; stomach neoplasms.

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