The Role Of Helicobacter Pylori And Cag A Antibody Titers In The Pathology Of Chronic Gastritis

Abstract

Chronic gastritis is a multifactorial disorder, which is influenced primarily by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. In addition to the density of the organism, the CagA pathogenicity island (PAI) of H pylori is thought to be a primary factor contributing to the antral inflammation. Endoscopic findings are believed to be non contributory in the diagnosis. In this study, we have shown that endoscopic features like erythema, erosions and nodularity maybe contributory in predicting the presence of H pylori in the biopsy specimen. The primary factor influencing the degree of inflammation in gastritis appears to be the density of H pylori in the antrum. The CagA pathogenicity island does not appear to have a role in influencing the severity of the antral inflammation. The role of other H pylori antigens remains undetermined.