Helicobacter heilmannii Infection With Concurrent Gastric Cancer: A Case Report

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) Vol. 17; no. 2; p. e79729
• Main Authors: Kamio, Tomohiro, Kono, Yoshiyasu, Iwamuro, Masaya, Yoshikawa, Tomoki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Springer Nature B.V 26.02.2025; Cureus
• Subjects: Antibodies; Antigens; Bacterial infections; Biopsy; Endoscopy; Gastric cancer; Gastroenterology; Hospitals; Infections; Inflammation; Polymerase chain reaction; Ulcers; non-helicobacter pylori helicobacter; gastric cancer; gastritis; helicobacter heilmannii; eradication
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.79729

( ), a zoonotic pathogen, is increasingly recognized as a cause of gastritis and a potential risk factor for gastric cancer, despite its rarity. Here, we report a case of multiple synchronous early gastric cancers in a female patient in her 40s with -associated gastritis. She underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for the evaluation of gastric discomfort. Endoscopy revealed cobblestone-like gastritis. Histological examination confirmed a signet ring cell carcinoma. ( ) antibody test was negative, and spiral-shaped bacteria were detected by Giemsa staining and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), confirming infection. Endoscopic submucosal dissection achieved curative resection without recurrence. -induced gastritis presents distinct features, including a cobblestone-like appearance and lymphocyte-dominant infiltration, differing from -associated gastritis. Chronic inflammation and immune modulation caused by infection may contribute to carcinogenesis. Considering the diagnostic challenges and zoonotic transmission risks, enhanced awareness of -associated gastric cancer is essential. This case highlights the importance of identifying in -negative gastritis and its potential role in gastric carcinogenesis. Further research is required to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms and establish effective management protocols.