Fourteen years have elapsed since Drs Marshall and Warren rediscoveredH. pylori. During this brief period of time, investigators have confirmed thatH. pylori plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of gastritis, peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. Already the clinical approach to treating these conditions has changed dramatically, from inhibiting gastric acid secretion to attempting to eradicate this infection. Yet, despite significant progress, we continue to lack a simple and effective method to cure individuals of theirH. pylori infection and prevent re-infection. Perhaps a better understanding of howH. pylori interacts with the gastric epithelium to cause disease will allow us to develop novel approaches to prevent or cure this infection.