Possible evidence of invasiveness ofHelicobacter (Campylobacter)pylori

Abstract
Gastric/duodenal biopsy material from 52 patients was examined immunohistochemically forHelicobacter (Campylobacter) pylori. Specimens from 34 of the patients harbouredHelicobacter pylori along the mucosal surface and 13 of these featured, in addition, immunopositive material within the lamina propria. The remaining 18 biopsies were non-reactive. This observation suggests thatHelicobacter pylori can penetrate the epithelium and its basement membrane, resulting in the production of specific systemic antibodies.