Helicobacter pylori

Publication Date: April 30, 2021

Last Updated: March 3, 2023

Objective

This patient summary means to discuss key recommendations from the World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO) for Helicobacter pylori.

Overview

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that causes indigestion, stomach ulcers and cancer. It may affect up to half the world’s population, children included and mostly in less developed regions.
Throughout this summary, we will use the abbreviation NSAID for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, PPI for proton-pump inhibitor, and WGO for World Gastroenterology Organization.
Disease from H. pylori increases with smoking, aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, excess salt, pickled foods in the diet, and genetic predisposition.
Symptoms include indigestion from ulcers plus stomach pain from stomach cancer.

This patient summary focuses on the worldwide management of this infectious agent.

Management

To rid H. pylori from areas of high disease burden, WGO favors mass test-and-treat programs for young adults when feasible and funded.
Including H. pylori testing and treatment in standard care for individual cases of H. pylori disease will reduce the incidence of subsequent disease.
Individual testing can be done with or without endoscopy (looking into the stomach with a scope) depending on local resources.

Treatment

A proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) with amoxicillin and clarithromycin for 7–10 days is still the most commonly used first-line therapy.
Since resistance to antibiotics is common, the use of other or secondary regimens depends on local experience.
Taking complete treatment is important for the cure.
Since the treatment does not always work, a follow-up check is important.

Abbreviations

H. pylori: Helicobacter Pylori
NSAID: Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug
PPI: Proton Pump Inhibitor
WGO: World Gastroenterology Organization

Source Citation

Katelaris P, Hunt R, Bazzoli F, Cohen H, Fock KM, Gemilyan M, Malfertheiner P, Mégraud F, Piscoya A, Quach D, Vakil N, Vaz Coelho LG, LeMair A, Melberg J. Helicobacter pylori World Gastroenterology Organization Global Guideline. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2023 Feb 1;57(2):111-126. doi: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000001719. PMID: 36598803.

Disclaimer

The information in this patient summary should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.