Is mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma an infectious disease? Role of and eradication antibiotic therapy (Review).

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALT) is seldom considered a diagnosis hypothesis in symptomatic patients. These lymphomas present as a main risk factor for chronic gastritis due to infection. leads to chronic inflammation, producing lymphoid tissue in the stomach mucosa (MALT) possibly leading to malignant transformation. Even though remains one of the most important factors in the development of MALT lymphoma, it is not mandatory in the evolution of MALT lymphoma since high-grade lymphomas present a lower prevalence of . The prevalence of is indirectly proportional with the progression into the gastric wall. Mucosal and submucosal MALT lymphomas have a higher prevalence of the bacteria. However, genetic factors remain a risk factor especially if eradication treatment fails. Even though a low percentage of MALT lymphomas are -negative, some respond to antibiotic eradication treatment. This can be explained either by the immunomodulatory effect of antibiotics or by other infectious sources such as and (small bowel lymphoma). Treatment in MALT gastric lymphoma was a breakthrough since it was the first time in oncology where tumours were cured by antibiotic therapy, leading us to wonder if MALT lymphomas are infectious disease or not?