THE ROLE AND TREATMENT OF HELICOBACTER-PYLORI INFECTION IN PEPTIC-ULCER DISEASE - A REVIEW OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HELICOBACTER-PYLORI INFECTION AND PEPTIC-ULCER DISEASE

The role of Helicobacter pylori in the progress of peptic ulcer disease is reviewed. In Particular, the relationship between H. pylori infection and relapse rate is discussed, including an overview of current theories regarding the mechanism of tissue damage induced by the organism. The relative merits of the recommended drug therapies are outlined, with emphasis on their effectiveness in removing H. pylori from the gastrointestinal tract, the risks of the development of resistant strains of the organism, the adverse effects of the therapies and the approaches that are likely to be adopted in the future.