H. PYLORI: IS EVERYTHING SO EVIDENT?

Abstract

In most scientific publications, the attention of researchers is focused entirely on the consideration of the
pathogenic properties of H. pylori in the development of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease and gastric
cancer, and also considers the development of effective methods of eradication therapy. Along with this,
in recent years, more and more often there are works that indicate a potentially positive effect of this
bacterium on the human body and the occurrence of a number of negative consequences after eradication
therapy. In this connection, the question of the probable affiliation of H. pylori to the composition of the
human microbiome is discussed. Data on the high prevalence of the microorganism in the population and
its asymptomatic coexistence with humans indicate the persistence of the bacterium in the body, most
likely as a representative of the microbiome. The accumulated data on the effect of H. pylori on human
health demonstrate a clear ambiguity of the problem. In this regard, it is important to answer the question
whether it is necessary to create programs for mass eradication of H. pylori, or whether it is necessary to
approach the implementation of eradication therapy in a more personalized way