In the last two decades, Romanians dealt with post-revolution economic problems
and extensive reforms. In this context we analyzed the prevalence trends of Helicobacter
pylori (H. pylori) infection in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, focused more on
northwestern region of our country. An interesting part of our report describes the prevalence
of Helicobacter species in pets; coinfection with different strains of Helicobacter such as H.
pylori, H. felis and H. heilmannii being identified in dogs and cats. Specific risk factors were
analyzed, like intrafamilial transmission, occupational exposure and zoonotic transmission, as
H. pylori was proved to be a pathogenic factor in cats and dogs. Diagnostic methods used for
clinical and research purposes are comparative debated in humans and animals. Original
Romanian research about H. pylori involvement in gastro-duodenal pathology is also
presented. Our studies focused both on human and animal pathology, in functional and
organic disorders (from chronic gastritis till carcinogenesis). Some remarks are done about
clinical and experimental treatment. The efficacy of actual treatment in use is debated as the
eradication rates are very low using first line therapy.
Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, Helicobacter species infection, epidemiology,
lifestyle, seroprevalence, zoonotic risk, intrafamilial transmission, virulence
factor, pathogenesis, chronic gastritis, carcinogenesis, pathology, premalignant
gastric lesions, diagnostic methods, eradication therapy, pets.
