ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the genus Helicobacter and characterizes the role of these organisms in the pathogenesis of gastric and enterohepatic disease. Epidemiology, transmission, pathogenesis, virulence factors, along with methods in culture, identification, detection, and treatment. Genetic studies indicate that humans have been colonized with the organism for at least 58,000 years and that H. pylori most likely postdated the evolution of humans. Strain types that prevail within certain regions of the world have also been found to correlate with human migration patterns. The genus Helicobacter comprises more than 40 species, with additional provisionally named species waiting to be validated. Preventing the spread of infectious pathogenic agents has historically relied on public health measures that were based on sound epidemiological data. In the case of Helicobacter, and in particular H. pylori, the epidemiology and especially the transmission mechanisms are incompletely understood.
