Background: The combination of the high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Japan and the availability of methods to diagnose and treat the infection suggest that elimination of the infection from the population might be beneficial. Therefore we reviewed the epidemiology, consequences and possible benefits of elimination of H. pylori in Japan.
Results: H. pylori infection has been etiologically linked to peptic ulcer disease, gastric carcinoma and gastric B-cell lymphoma. The cumulative risk of those with H. pylori infection for developing peptic ulcer disease is 15-20%, with 0.01-0.1% developing gastric carcinoma. Twenty to thirty per cent of those infected suffer mortality or morbidity related to H. pylori infection. Recommendations were made concerning the elimination of this infection.
Conclusions: Eradication of H. pylori should largely eliminate peptic ulcer disease with all its costs and complications, while rapidly changing the risk of developing gastric cancer.