[Campylobacter pylori (C. pylori): an occasional finding or a constant pathogenetic factor in peptic and inflammatory gastroduodenal pathology? Personal observations].

The detection of CP in the mucosa of the gastric antrum had led to the supposition of this bacterium's potential pathogenetic role in the onset and continuation of peptic ulcer and/or inflammatory gastroduodenal disease. After reviewing the literature, the Authors report the incidence rate of the presence of C.P. in the mucosa of the gastric antrum in 110 symptomatic patients. Endoscopic examination revealed a negative diagnosis, or the presence of gastric and/or duodenal ulcer, or aspecific inflammatory disease. C.P. was detected using the quick urea test and histomorphological analysis after modified Giemsa staining on bioptic endoscopic specimens. C.P. were present in 86.6% of duodenal ulcers, 94.8% of gastro-duodenal inflammation, and 29.4% of endoscopical normal patients. These results confirm that C.P. should not be considered an occasional finding but almost a constant factors. The importance of performing the quick urea test during endoscopic examination is underlined, since if positive an appropriate therapeutic protocol can be started as soon as possible.