[Relationship between Helicobacter pylori colonization in the gastric mucosa and the severity of atrophic gastritis].

We studied the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and atrophic gastritis. Eighty non-ulcer patients underwent endoscopy with biopsy. Detection and quantitative assessment of H. pylori was made based on smear, culture and tissue section (Gram stain). The extent of atrophic gastritis was assessed endoscopically according to the classification of Kimura and Takemoto. Severity of glandular atrophy and intestinal metaplasia was assessed histologically. H. pylori infection was accompanied by or preceded the extension of atrophic gastritis. In patients with severe atrophic gastritis H. pylori was not detected. In the advanced stage of atrophic gastritis H. pylori might be cleared from the gastric mucosa. Our results suggest that H. pylori may be one of the factors for the extension of atrophic gastritis.