Recent developments in the epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori is found commonly throughout the world irrespective of how exotic the location. H. pylori remains among the most universal of infections; however, our 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 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.