Microbiological and serological diagnostic tests for Helicobacter pylori: an overview

Different invasive and non-invasive diagnostic tests are available for the diagnosis of H. pylori in the individual patient. In practice, endoscopic tests are best for a primary diagnosis of H. pylori infection because endoscopy allows assessment of treatment indications. The new rapid urease tests may help the clinician in treatment decision-making. Culture is currently not recommended for routine evaluation, but it is becoming increasingly important in certain populations with higher prevalence of drug resistance, since it allows testing for susceptibility to antibiotics. Serological testing has been recommended for initial pre-endoscopy or pre-treatment screening in dyspeptic patients. However, several current 'in-office' tests appear insufficiently accurate or would need further validation before being recommended for use in clinical management strategies at a primary care level. The urea breath tests are best suited to confirm eradication early after treatment, while laboratory serology tests are of limited use, since 6 months are required before a result can be obtained. The serological office tests cannot be used for post-treatment assessment of H. pylori status.