OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between Helicobacter pylori and atrophic gastritis. DESIGN AND METHODS: The extent of atrophic gastritis was assessed endoscopically in 97 non-ulcer patients, and their H. pylori status was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The prevalence of H. pylori infection was greatest in the early stages of atrophic gastritis. Small numbers of H. pylori-negative patients were identified at different stages during the extension of atrophic gastritis. CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori infection precedes the extension of atrophic gastritis, and a minority of patients with atrophic gastritis may never have been infected with H. pylori.
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between Helicobacter pylori and atrophic gastritis. DESIGN AND METHODS: The extent of atrophic gastritis was assessed endoscopically in 97 non-ulcerpatients, and their H. pylori status was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The prevalence of H. pyloriinfection was greatest in the early stages of atrophic gastritis. Small numbers of H. pylori-negative patients were identified at different stages during the extension of atrophic gastritis. CONCLUSIONS:H. pyloriinfection precedes the extension of atrophic gastritis, and a minority of patients with atrophic gastritis may never have been infected with H. pylori.