Histological aspects of Campylobacter pylori colonisation and infection of gastric and duodenal mucosa.

The main features of the histopathology of Campylobacter pylori-associated gastritis are reviewed. The organism is strongly associated with the Type B pattern of chronic gastritis. It colonizes the abnormal antrum and is not usually seen on the normal mucosa. However it fails to colonize the abnormal antrum in the Type A gastritis of pernicious anaemia. When present in the duodenum it is in conjunction with severe duodenitis and gastric metaplasia. Although the organisms are present in over 70% of patients with peptic ulcer disease care must still be taken with identification, as other gastric spiral organisms can be present that are not Campylobacters.