[Significance of Helicobacter pylori infection in the pathogenesis and natural history of peptic ulcer].

Recent studies strongly suggest that Helicobacter pylori might have a significant role in the pathogenesis and rate of recurrence of peptic duodenal ulcer. Various factors, such as the existence of ulcerogenic strains of the bacteria and susceptible subjects, might explain the fact that not more than 10% of the patients infected with H pylori actually have duodenal ulcer. Its association with gastric ulcer and gastric carcinoma is not well defined.