[The role of Helicobacter pylori in the development of chronic gastritis and gastroduodenal ulcers].

To determine the correlation between Helicobacter pylori colonization of the gastric mucosa and the incidence of chronic gastritis as well as gastric and duodenal ulcer, 52 patients (26 women and 26 men) aged 19-77 years (mean 46 years) with gastrointestinal symptoms were studied. Biopsy specimens for histological and bacteriological examinations were taken during upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopies. Helicobacter pylori was found in 21 (40%) patients: 14 women and 7 men (p less than 0.05). The organisms were present more often in cases with chronic gastritis and duodenal ulcer (p less than 0.05). They were not identified in any of 7 persons with normal histologic features (p less than 0.01). Helicobacter pylori was found on the gastric mucosa in 6 (75%) of 8 patients with duodenal ulcer but in none of 5 cases after partial gastrectomy with the methods of Billroth I or Billroth II (p less than 0.05).