The infection is uncommon amongst the rural aboriginal population. The method of infection is unknown, but probably occurs initially in early childhood. As an adult you are not infectious to others. However, all people with H.pylori infection have inflammation of the lining of the stomach. This inflammation rarely causes symptoms but may progress to other diseases.
Inflammation disappears if the infection is successfully treated.
Cancer of the Stomach H.pylori infection slightly increases the risk of some forms of cancer of the stomach. Other risk factors are necessary for stomach cancer to develop. Although stomach cancer is very common in many parts of the world, it is now an uncommon cancer in Australia. If no cause is found they have non-ulcer dyspepsia. This is a very common problem.