Modern Approaches to Detect Helicobacter pylori Infection

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori infection is quite prevalent and lifelong if not treated and is associated with risks of severe complications, such as peptic ulcers, gastric carcinoma, and MALT lymphoma. So, proper and timely detection is really important. There are modern invasive and non-invasive detection methods most of which are highly sensitive and specific. Choosing the best detection method is important and depends on each individual case e.g. patient’s age and co-morbidity, as well as if previous eradication attempts have been done. It is wise to choose methods, that detect not just the infection itself, but also susceptibility to antimicrobial eradication agents as resistance rates are increasing worldwide. This review presents briefly the major H. pylori detection methods and aims to assist both clinicians and microbiologists in choosing the best diagnostic approach.