Among the 18 participants who were Hp-positive at follow-up, all 18 (100%) had chronic gastritis and active gastritis at baseline; chronic gastritis severity at follow-up was lower in 7 (39%) and unchanged or higher in 11 (61%), while active gastritis severity at follow-up was lower in 5 (28%) and unchanged or higher in 13 (72%). Here, HP is linked to chronic gastritis.