In the rapidly evolving field of Helicobacter infection new
data on pathogenetic and pathophysiological mechanism have
appeared. New methods which will be more sensitive and
specific in the diagnosis of the infection are being
developed and in this proceedings the first attempt using
PCR technology is published. From the clinical point of
view, a challenging aspect that needs clarification, is the
observation which suggests an appearance of a correlation
between the presence of the bacteria and abdominal pain and
other symptoms in children whereas in old age no such
correlation is evident. The relationship of H. pylori and
gastric cancer is studied with histopathological data and
epidemiological approaches. On the treatment side schemes
using short courses and new antibiotic combinations are
being investigated and preliminary data are reported.