The bacterium H.pylori is well known for its link to peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. A new review article published in the journal Metabolism Open explains how this bacterium may play a role in chronic illnesses. Emerging evidence suggests that H. pylori is linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

A H. pylori infection can drive persistent systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune dysregulation. These processes are thought to influence vascular injury, lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and hormonal balance, thereby increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Among these, the evidence is strongest for cardiovascular disease, explained by its connection to vascular inflammation and cytokine activation. Links to MASLD and T2DM are more inconsistent, with large cohort studies showing mixed results.

While eradication therapy has proven effective for gastric disease, its role in preventing CVD, MASLD, or T2DM remains uncertain. Still, integrating H. pylori screening and treatment into existing NCD prevention programs could be especially valuable in high-prevalence regions, where infection and metabolic disease are prevalent simultaneously.

Further research is needed to test whether H. pylori eradication improves long-term outcomes. Deeper research into mechanisms of inflammation and metabolism is also required. If confirmed, managing this widespread infection could represent a new opportunity to reduce the global burden of heart, liver, and metabolic diseases.