H. pylori infection

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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing ulcers
Ulcers

Many people with H. pylori infection will never have any signs or symptoms and will never develop complications. Others will develop serious complications. It's not clear why this is.

Complications associated with H. pylori infection include:

  • Open sores (ulcers) in your stomach and small intestine. H. pylori infection causes the majority of these ulcers.
  • Inflammation of the stomach lining. H. pylori infection can irritate the lining of the stomach, causing inflammation (gastritis).
  • Stomach cancer. H. pylori infection is a strong risk factor for certain types of stomach cancer, including adenocarcinoma and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma.
References
  1. Graham DY, et al. Helicobacter pylori. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/134273666-3/0/1389/0.html. Accessed April 28, 2009.
  2. Fuccio L, et al. Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. BMJ. 2008;337:746.
  3. H. pylori and peptic ulcer. National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hpylori/index.htm. Accessed April 29, 2009.
  4. Talley NJ, et al. Gastric cancer consensus conference recommends Helicobacter pylori screening and treatment in asymptomatic persons from high-risk populations to prevent gastric cancer. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2008;103:510.

DS00958

May 30, 2009

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