Non-invasive techniques for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection |
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Authors: | L. Gatta C. Ricci A. Tampieri D. Vaira |
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Affiliation: | Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Nuove Patologie, Bologna, Italy |
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Abstract: | Helicobacter pylori infection can be diagnosed by invasive techniques requiring endoscopy and biopsy (histologic examination, culture, polymerase chain reaction), and non-invasive techniques (serology, urea breath test, urine or blood, detection of H. pylori antigen in stool specimen). However, recent studies have demonstrated that a strategy of 'testing and treating' for H. pylori in uninvestigated, young (<50 years), dyspeptic patients in primary care is safe and reduces the need for endoscopy. Indeed, a number of clinical guidelines recommend non-invasive testing in dyspeptic patients followed by treatment of H. pylori in primary care based on clinical and economic analyses. Several non-invasive tests are currently available on the market. The choice depends on the clinical circumstances, the likelihood ratio of positive and negative tests, the cost-effectiveness of the testing strategy, and, finally, the availability of the tests. Nevertheless, two non-invasive tests are commonly used: the urea breath test, and the stool antigen test. |
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Keywords: | Helicobacter pylori dyspepsie diagnosis non invasive tests |
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