Peptic Ulcer: An Infectious Disease?

Abstract

Campylobacter pylori, isolated in 1982, is likely to change medical thinking about the etiology and treatment of chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer. Up to 90% of patients with duodenal ulcer and 70% with gastric ulcer have C. pylori infection. Eradication of the organism can result in resolution of gastritis, with subsequent ulcer healing and a lower incidence of relapse.