Researchers involved
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Researchers involved |
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Chronic
inflammation in the stomach caused by Helicobacter pylori is an important
factor in the development of peptic and duodenal ulcer disease, and gastric
malignancies. Research aims to improve the understanding on long-term survival
and adaptation of H. pylori, on the pathogenesis of chronic H. pylori
infections, and on improved diagnostics and treatment of H. pylori infection.
In addition to H. pylori, increasing attention is given to non-pylori
Helicobacter species. Reflux-induced chronic inflammation is thought
to be initiating factor of the development of Barrett's esophagus, a precursor
of adenocarcinoma of the gastro-esophageal junction. This hypothesis is being
tested both in patients, animal model systems as well as in vitro. Finally,
the putative role of non-pylori Helicobacter spp. in nongastric pathologies
such as hepatocellular carcinoma and Inflammatory Bowel Disease is being investigated.
The main research lines on Helicobacter spp. are:
- Adaptation of H. pylori to environmental stresses
- Modulation of the host immune system by H. pylori
- Characterization of non-pylori gastric Helicobacter spp.
- Role of enterohepatic Helicobacter spp. in the etiology of hepatobiliary
diseases
- Antibiotic resistance of H. pylori
Key publications
