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Author Spotlight: Detection and Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Published on: July 28, 2023
Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection: Current options and developments
Yao-Kuang Wang1, Fu-Chen Kuo1, Chung-Jung Liu1
1Yao-Kuang Wang, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Hsiao-Kang Hospital, Kaohsiung 812, Taiwan.
Insights
Accurate diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is key for managing gastroduodenal diseases. This review covers current and novel diagnostic tests, including invasive and non-invasive methods, for H. pylori detection and related conditions.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Accurate Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) diagnosis is essential for managing gastroduodenal diseases.
- Various invasive and non-invasive diagnostic tests exist, each with unique clinical applications and limitations.
- No single test is universally considered the gold standard, necessitating a review of available and emerging techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current diagnostic options for H. pylori infection.
- To discuss novel developments in H. pylori diagnostic testing.
- To explore the applications of these tests in various clinical scenarios and for specific purposes.
Main Methods:
- Review of invasive diagnostic methods: histology, culture, rapid urease test, and molecular techniques on endoscopic biopsy specimens.
- Review of non-invasive diagnostic methods: urea breathing test, stool antigen test, and serology.
- Discussion of advancements in real-time diagnosis during endoscopy and molecular methods beyond gastric mucosa.
Main Results:
- Invasive tests offer direct examination of biopsy samples, with molecular methods expanding diagnostic capabilities.
- Non-invasive tests like urea breathing and stool antigen tests are widely used, while serology aids in screening.
- Newer tests evaluate virulence factors, antibiotic sensitivity, and screen for precancerous lesions and gastric cancer.
Conclusions:
- A range of diagnostic tests are available for H. pylori, each suited to different clinical needs.
- Ongoing developments are enhancing the accuracy and scope of H. pylori diagnostics.
- Comprehensive diagnostic strategies are crucial for effective H. pylori management and patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Accurate diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a crucial part in the effective management of many gastroduodenal diseases. Several invasive and non-invasive diagnostic tests are available for the detection of H. pylori and each test has its usefulness and limitations in different clinical situations. Although none can be considered as a single gold standard in clinical practice, several techniques have been developed to give the more reliable results. Invasive tests are performed via endoscopic biopsy specimens and these tests include histology, culture, rapid urease test as well as molecular methods. Developments of endoscopic equipment also contribute to the real-time diagnosis of H. pylori during endoscopy. Urea breathing test and stool antigen test are most widely used non-invasive tests, whereas serology is useful in screening and epidemiological studies. Molecular methods have been used in variable specimens other than gastric mucosa. More than detection of H. pylori infection, several tests are introduced into the evaluation of virulence factors and antibiotic sensitivity of H. pylori, as well as screening precancerous lesions and gastric cancer. The aim of this article is to review the current options and novel developments of diagnostic tests and their applications in different clinical conditions or for specific purposes.
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