Impact of helicobacter pylori on human physiology and digestive disorders

Helicobacter pylori is a widespread bacterial infection found in more than half the world’s population. It is associated with several gastric disorders such as peptic ulcer disease, gastric cancer, MALT lymphoma, and dyspepsia. The bacterium plays a role in a multitude of disorders outside the stomach including gastro-esophageal reflux disease, Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal adenocarcinoma, eosinophilic esophagitis, Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and iron deficiency anemia. The understanding of its role in extragastric digestive disorders is evolving, with studies showing both positive and negative associations. We will provide herein a review of the role and impact of H. pylori on human physiology, pathophysiology, and a spectrum of diverse digestive disorders.