"Helicobacter pylori... is known to cause gastric and duodenal ulcers and also cancers of the lower part of the stomach," Dr. Farin Kamangar, lead author of the study, told Reuters Health.
"However, the results of our study, as well as some other studies from Western countries, suggest that Helicobacter pylori may protect against cancers that arise at the junction of the stomach and esophagus," Kamangar added.
To investigate, the researchers selected 234 cardia and noncardia gastric cancer patients and collected blood samples from them, which were compared to the blood samples from 234 healthy individuals depending upon the age.
The blood samples were then tested for antibodies against Helicobacter pylori.
Researchers found that the subjects infected with H. pylori had a higher risk of developing noncardia gastric cancer and a lower risk of developing cardia gastric cancer.
"There is little doubt that Helicobacter pylori infection needs to be treated in people with gastric and duodenal ulcers," Kamangar noted. "However, the apparent beneficial effects of Helicobacter pylori caution against its universal eradication. We need to weigh the harms and benefits of (this bacteria) before making decisions to eliminate it."
The findings of the study are published in the Oct 18 Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
