Diagnosis and management of Helicobacter pylori infection

Helicobacter pylori infects more than half of the world's population, making it one of the most prevalent infections. H pylori is now accepted as the most common cause of histologic gastritis and is responsible for the majority of cases of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. Approximately 1 in 6 (17%) persons with H pylori infection will develop peptic ulcer disease, and each year 1% to 2% of these will experience a major or life-threatening complication, such as bleeding, perforation, or gastric outlet obstruction. Peptic ulcer disease should no longer be regarded as a chronic, recurring, lifelong disease, but rather as a curable infectious disease. The diagnosis and therapy of this common infectious disorder have become increasingly straightforward. In this article, we discuss the possible outcomes of long-standing infection, the various diagnostic tests available, including whom and when to test, and the combination drug regimens approved for cure.