Helicobacter pylori and acid secretion.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND. Helicobacter pylori has been implicated in the aetiopathogenesis of peptic ulcer but data on the effect of infection by this organism on gastric acid secretion are equivocal. We, therefore, examined the effect of the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the antrum and body of the stomach on acid secretion. METHODS. We used the augmented histamine test and intragastric titration in three groups of patients. In one group Helicobacter pylori was present in both the antrum and body of the stomach, in the second it was present in the antrum but not the body, and in the third the organism was absent. RESULTS. There were no significant differences in acid secretion between these three groups. CONCLUSION. The presence of Helicobacter pylori in the mucosa of the gastric antrum and body has no effect on acid secretion.