Prognosis of Helicobacter pylori infection

Without treatment, the infection can persist for years. In some patients, it may lead to chronic gastritis or peptic ulcer disease, and in a minority of cases, it may contribute to the development of gastric cancer. However, the overall risk of progression to cancer is low, particularly in countries such as Spain.

This risk can vary depending on several factors, such as the characteristics of the infection (the strain or type of the bacterium), the patient’s genetics and the geographical location. It is higher in certain regions of the world with a high incidence of gastric cancer, particularly in some Asian countries.

Population screening for Helicobacter pylori has been proposed in parts of the world with a high prevalence of gastric cancer, particularly in Asian countries, with the aim of reducing the risk of developing this type of cancer. In our region, where the incidence is low, the standard approach is to detect and treat the infection in people with symptoms or specific risk factors.

Eradicating the bacterium significantly reduces these risks and usually resolves gastric inflammation.