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Gastritis has many causes. A common type of gastritis, called chronic gastritis, is usually caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacterium that can live in the protective mucus layer of the stomach. Most people who are infected with H. pylori never suffer symptoms related to the bacterium, while a minority of those infected may experience abdominal pain/indigestion (dyspepsia). H. pylori infections are quite common affecting approximately tow-thirds of the world's population at one time or another. The bacterium weakens the mucus layer, allowing stomach acid to come into contact with the stomach lining. This acid can, in turn, damage the stomach or duodenal lining, causing an ulcer. If left untreated, this condition could cause recurrent ulcers and, in some instances, cancer. Persons infected with H.pylori have a significantly heightened risk of developing gastric cancer.