CORRELATION ON H. PYLORI INFESTATION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF PREMALIGNANT LESION IN GASTRIC MUCOSA

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a microaerophilic, spiral-shaped Gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the gastric mucosa of nearly half the global population. Its presence is strongly linked to a multistep progression from chronic gastritis to gastric adenocarcinoma, mediated through premalignant mucosal changes such as atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and dysplasia. Although this association is well established, emerging research in the past five years has uncovered novel molecular insights into host pathogen interactions, microbiome perturbations, and immune regulatory mechanisms that contribute to carcinogenesis. This study consolidates current knowledge on the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying H. pylori-induced mucosal transformation, emphasizes innovative diagnostic and prognostic tools, and explores promising preventive and therapeutic interventions aimed at intercepting the progression of premalignant gastric lesions.