Helicobacter pylori Infection and Vaccination: Current Standoff

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the most common bacterial infection worldwide. The colonization by this microorganism in the gastric microniche usually starts in childhood but cannot be eliminated until effective treatment is applied. Many researchers in this field are defending the current practice of eradicating the bacterium using available antibiotics. In contrast, others recommend that we should increase the pressure for vaccination in order to efficiently eradicate this microorganism, hence the standoff. We urgently need a sharp shift in current policies adopted by all stakeholders to address the lack of both vaccine research and effective antibiotics. We know that suitable vaccines decrease the chance of contamination of H. pylori in children but the disappointing news is that we do not have such a preventive vaccine, even for adults in developed countries. In this letter, we touch on the current state-of-art in the field of H. pylori infection, antibiotic treatment, and vaccination strategies. Finally, we call for more funding to develop efficient vaccines against H. pylori infection in both children and adults.