The Genus Helicobacter

Abstract

Many observations of spiral bacteria colonizing the gastric mucosa of animals and humans have been noted throughout the twentieth century, some of which suggested their role in gastric pathology. Despite the presence of these microorganisms, the stomach was still considered a sterile environment. It was the discovery of Helicobacter pylori that forever changed our perception of the stomach and made us view this organ as a habitat for specialized bacteria. Recent evidence supports the theory that humans and H. pylori have coevolved for millennia. Genetic studies indicate that humans have been colonized with the organism for at least 58,000 years.