ABSTRACT
‘Gastritis’ is the microscopic evidence of inflammation of the gastric mucosa, indicating histologic evaluation of biopsy samples. The overall incidence of gastritis is not well known. Incidence of Helicobacter pylori is low in western Europe, the United States, and Canada. Hemorrhagic gastritis may be associated with hematemesis, anemia, melena, and occult blood in stool. H. pylori is a gram-negative bacterium responsible for nodular gastritis in humans and is the most common cause of gastritis worldwide. Viral infections related to gastritis include cytomegalovirus, Epstein–Barr Virus, human herpes virus-7, influenza, and herpes simplex virus. Giardia is a rare cause of gastritis and seems to affect those with abnormal gastric acid secretion. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug -related gastritis is secondary to topical irritation and inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase, and can occur after the first dose. Gastritis in patients with ulcerative colitis is not uncommon, but is usually mild and not granulomatous.
