Helicobacter pylori and Gastric Cancer: Microbiological Insights and Clinical Implications

Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative bacterium that is a major factor in a number of gastrointestinal diseases including gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancer. We reviewed the biology of H. pylori, including its microbiological characteristics, pathogenic mechanisms and its key role in gastric carcinogenesis. Here, we discuss the bacterium’s mechanisms of survival and virulence factors, such as CagA and VacA, which together induce chronic inflammation and drive malignant transformation. The current status of clinical manifestations and diagnostic approaches are reviewed, emphasizing the need for accurate detection and effective treatment. Future directions stress the need for novel therapeutic strategies as well as vaccine development, host-pathogen understanding, biomarker discovery and personal medicine to improve patient outcome and reduce the global burden of H. pylori associated diseases.