Virulence and pathogenicity of Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with multiple gastroduodenal disease manifestations. This article reviews many of the bacterial and host factors important in these diseases. The role of conserved and nonconserved H, pylori genes, genotyping, and effect on the epithelial cell cycle in the pathogenesis of disease are discussed. Alteration of host physiological and immune response mechanisms and the molecules involved in the inflammatory cascade are summarized.