[Campylobacter pylori and gastritis--the density of colonization and degree of inflammation. A semiquantitative and morphometric study].

Gastric biopsies of 1000 patients were grouped according to their diagnoses, special interest was devoted to type B-gastritis. Density of Campylobacter pylori colonization was determined semiquantitatively after Warthin-Starry silver impregnation. Bacteria could never be seen in normal mucosa. In B-gastritis statistics proved a significant correlation between bacterial colonization density and degree of inflammation. In 60 selected cases this close interrelation could be objectified by morphometry. The larger the quantity of bacteria per biopsy area the greater must be its deleterious effect on the mucus layer and the superficial epithelium. Active, chronic gastritis is characteristic of Campylobacter pylori colonisation. There can be no doubt that Campylobacter pylori plays a decisive role concerning the aetiology of type B-gastritis.