For years, Helicobacter pylori was the main bacteria associated with stomach cancer, but recent research has placed significant attention on Streptococcus anginosus (Sa), a bacteria that is much more common and found in various parts of the human body. While Sa is typically harmless and exists as a commensal organism in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and genitourinary tract, it can lead to infections when it enters sterile sites in the body.

The study published in the scientific journal Gut reveals that Streptococcus anginosus may promote the development of gastric cancer through a specific metabolic mechanism. This new finding expands our understanding of the gut microbiome and its role in complex diseases, particularly in cancer pathology, suggesting that there may be more at play in the relationship between bacteria and stomach cancer than previously thought.

As stomach cancer is the fifth most diagnosed cancer worldwide, this research could have significant implications for prevention and diagnosis strategies. By understanding the role of common bacteria like Streptococcus anginosus in the gut microbiome, healthcare professionals may be able to develop new approaches for monitoring and preventing gastric cancer, ultimately benefiting patient outcomes and public health.