Infectious disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract (excluding Helicobacter pylori)

The upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the oesophagus, stomach and small intestine, is subject to a vast array of pathogens. While some may be a reflection of disseminated infection, others produce disease specific to the upper GI tract. This review focuses on the most common infectious disorders of the upper GI tract that may be encountered by the general surgical pathologist, including viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic organisms. Clinical and diagnostic histological features are discussed, as well as useful ancillary diagnostic techniques.