Helicobacter pylori 2000 - Past, Present and Future

(An Interactive CD-ROM on Helicobacter pylori)

The present CD-ROM, which gives an up-to-date overview of data relevant to H. pylori, is divided into two main sections, that of Courses and Concepts (see below). Both these sections contain texts that are linked to tables and references, video clips, cartoons, graph, etc. of wide interest which are readily available at the click of a mouse and clearly illustrate the topics involved. In addition to viewing the text and images on the computer screen, the user can download and print the material from the CD-ROM. The present CD-ROM is based on the proven software of the NORMEDIA GASTRO CD-ROM.

Course section:

This section of the CD-ROM contains a series of courses detailing diverse aspects of H. pylori including the background to the discovery of the bacterium, the host response to infection, the mechanisms involved in the induction of H. pylori-related diseases, as well as data of diagnostic and therapeutic relevance. Not alone are topics of basic science interest covered but also those of clinical importance. The data is organised into formal courses which are written in an easy-to-read style with illustrated, up-to-date information provided by eminent worldwide contributors. The courses of different levels have been designed for GPs, gastroenterologists, clinical scientists, basic scientists, medical students and biological students.

Courses:

• Historical perspectives on the discovery of Helicobacter pylori
• Perspectives on Helicobacter pylori research
• Helicobacter pylori infection in childhood
• Does Helicobacter pylori contribute to GORD?
• Helicobacter pylori, gastric cancer, and carcinogenic mechanisms
• Endoscopy

Concepts section:

This section of the CD-ROM has been designed to allow the user to obtain information on specific aspects of H. pylori. The data is organised into sections which are written in an easy-to-read style with illustrated, up-to-date information provided by eminent worldwide contributors. The objective of this section is to provide a framework, whereby the user can follow a topic to a detailed level of information. This section can be used by an individual to explore an area of interest for themselves, independent of a specified structure for learning. Because this section is produced so that one concept can lead to a more defined area, the user can use this section to browse for general information or explore a specific area for specialised information. The user can tailor the knowledge path taken to their own personal needs and, hence, this section can fulfil a self-learning role.

A very abbreviated outline of the main contents of this section is given below:

• 1. THE BACTERIUM
  • 1.1 Morphology
  • 1.2 Classification
  • 1.3 Physiology and metabolism
  • 1.4 Genome
  • 1.5 Strain typing
  • 1.6 Drug susceptibility
• 2. EPIDEMIOLOGY
  • 2.1 Source
  • 2.2 Risk factors
  • 2.3 Transmission
  • 2.4 Sero-epidemiology
• 3. PATHOGENESIS
  • 3.1 Bacterial pathogenic properties
  • 3.2 Bacterial population genetics
  • 3.3 Immune response
  • 3.4 Pathophysiology
  • 3.5 Models of H. pylori pathogenesis
• 4. THE DISEASES
  • 4.1 Acute H. pylori gastritis
  • 4.2 Chronic H. pylori gastritis
  • 4.3 Inflammation and peptic ulceration
  • 4.4 Atrophy and gastric cancer
  • 4.5 MALT and low-grade B-cell lymphoma
  • 4.6 Gastroduodenal disease development
  • 4.7 Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
  • 4.8 Extragastric diseases
• 5. DIAGNOSIS
  • 5.1 Invasive versus non-invasive tests
  • 5.2 Histology
  • 5.3 Urease tests
  • 5.4 Bacteriological tests
  • 5.5 Urea breath tests
  • 5.6 Serology
  • 5.7 Stool antigen test
  • 5.8 Choice of tests
• 6. TREATMENT & PROPHYLAXIS
  • 6.1 Who and when to treat?
  • 6.2 The test
  • 6.3 The treatment
  • 6.4 Proton pump inhibitors and non-antibiotics
  • 6.5 Follow-up of eradication therapy
  • 6.6 Vaccine
  • 6.7 H. pylori infection and GORD
  • 6.8 Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and H. pylori