Helicobacter pylori infection

Helicobacter pylori is a spiral-shaped, Gram-negative bacterium that can survive in highly acidic environments. It commonly colonizes the gastric mucosa. Infection primarily causes chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers, and is closely associated with diseases such as gastric cancer and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Most individuals infected with H. pylori are asymptomatic. Some patients may experience various gastric discomforts, such as belching, bloating, acid reflux, heartburn, and loss of appetite.