[How and when should we check Helicobacter pylori infection after eradication therapy?]

In Japan, The new triple therapy was opened for Helicobacter pylori (HP) eradication from Nov. 1, 2000. The Japanese Society for Helicobacter Research presented a guideline for HP eradication. It recommended that HP infection should be checked at least 4 weeks after the treatment for peptic ulcer and HP infection using HPIgG antibody, rapid urease test, urea breath test, histology and/or culture. However, it did not state the best way and suitable timing to check HP infection after the eradication therapy. In this study, we investigated the accuracy of PyloriTek test(a 1-h rapid urease test) and tried to establish the suitable timing for checking HP infection after eradication therapy. In conclusion, when patients are examined more than 4 months after eradication therapy, the use of PyloriTek alone may be sufficient for correctly diagnosing HP infection.