Open AccessDiagnosis ofHelicobacter pyloriinfection: Current options and developments
Author(s) -
YaoKuang Wang,
FuChen Kuo,
ChungJung Liu,
MengChieh Wu,
HsiangYao Shih,
Sophie S.W. Wang,
Jeng Yih Wu,
ChaoHung Kuo,
Yao-Kang Huang,
DengChyang Wu
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
world journal of gastroenterology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.427
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 2219-2840
pISSN - 1007-9327
DOI - 10.3748/wjg.v21.i40.11221
Subject(s) - helicobacter pylori , urea breath test , gold standard (test) , medicine , rapid urease test , serology , gastroenterology , biopsy , gastritis , pathology , immunology , helicobacter pylori infection , antibody
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.