The current status of Helicobacter pylori

We present a review of the current status of Helicobacter pylori infection, and focus on the clinical issues facing physicians with regards to its pathogenicity, diagnosis and treatment. We have attempted to address the important clinical issues relevant to the subject, and summarize the currently accepted concepts concerning Helicobacter pylori. Our knowledge regarding Helicobacter pylori biology is enormous, but detailed knowledge on its transmission is still far from clear. Helicobacter pylori is mainly involved in gastrointestinal and possibly in other extra-intestinal disorders. There are differences in the clinical presentation in various geographical regions resulting from variations in the genetic make-up of Helicobacter pylori. There is still need for more simple, cost-effective, accurate and less invasive diagnostic techniques. The gold standard treatment is the one-week proton pump inhibitor-based triple regimen as first line, with quadruple therapy as a 2nd line. Helicobacter pylori resistance to the main antimicrobials needs to be defined in particular geographical areas.