[Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection]

The diagnostics of Helicobacter pylori infection is now one of the most important aspects of the diagnosis of various gastroduodenal diseases. New data have shown that Helicobacter pylori is a causative agent of peptic ulcer disease and an important factor in cancer development. Numerous diagnostic tests are now available. They can be divided into two groups: invasive and noninvasive tests. All invasive test methods are based on endoscopic examination during which biopsy specimens are obtained for direct (histological analysis, isolation) or indirect (urease test) diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection. Noninasive methods reveal the presence of Helicobacter pylori by measuring the activity of urease (urea breath test), then by confirming the presence of antibodies in the serum or saliva of the infected person or by confirming the presence of Helicobacter pylori antigens in the feces.