Recent developments in the epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori.

Prevalence determinations have been performed around the world, and regardless of how exotic a location, H. pylori is found in a substantial proportion of the population. H. pylori remains among the most universal of infections. Understanding of some features of infection has changed. Infection can be gained and lost at rates higher than previously realized. Oral-oral and oral-fecal transmission account for most, if not nearly all, cases of infection. H. pylori infection has declined rapidly in developed countries, which probably has contributed to declines in duodenal ulcer disease and gastric cancer. The full health implications of the potential elimination of infection are unknown.