Helicobacter pylori: an evolutionary perspective

Since the description of Helicobacter pylori (HP) as the most common cause of gastritis and its neoplastic complications, numerous articles have been written about the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic methods, histopathology, pathogenesis, molecular biology and treatment of this infection. This review focuses on those aspects of the infection that challenge the universality of the medical implications through the lens of evolutionary science applied to medicine. The divergent epidemiological and clinical outcomes observed in different populations and the possible beneficial aspects of the infection are discussed. Also reviewed are Correa's seminal contributions to our understanding of gastric cancer in particular and postinflammatory tumours in general, and the renewed interest in intestinal metaplasia and its clinical implications.

Automated summary

This article focuses on the various aspects of infection that challenge the universality of medical implications through the application of evolutionary science to medicine. It discusses the divergent epidemiological and clinical outcomes observed in different populations, as well as the potential beneficial aspects of the infection. The article also reviews Correa's seminal contributions to the understanding of gastric cancer and postinflammatory tumors, along with the renewed interest in intestinal metaplasia and its clinical implications.