Enhanced Fe Ion–Uptake Activity in Helicobacter pylori Strains Isolated from Patients with Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Recent studies have suggested a link between iron-deficiency anemia and Helicobacter pylori infection. In the current study, strains of H. pylori derived from patients with iron-deficiency anemia showed enhanced Fe ion uptake and Fe ion–dependent rapid growth compared with those from pa-tients with non–iron-deficiency anemia. H. pylori with en-hanced Fe ion–uptake ability may be a causative factor for iron-deficiency anemia. Helicobacter pylori is recognized as a causative agent of long-term gastritis, peptic ulcer, and stomach cancer. Recent studies suggest that diseases other than those of the gastroduodenal tract are also associated with H. pylori infection. In particular, epidemiological and clinical evidence suggests a relationship between iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) and H. pylori infection [1–6]. In summary of the evidence, IDA, which is suspecte