In brief
Helicobacter pylori is one of the most widespread chronic bacterial infections in the world. It is the main cause of peptic ulcer disease and a proven risk factor for stomach cancer. However, universal screening is not recommended in every population — the decision to test depends on symptoms and individual risk factors. And preparing for the test properly is extremely important.
People without symptoms usually do not need testing. However, it may be recommended if there is a family risk of stomach cancer, if you live with an infected person or if you belong to a higher-risk group.
Antibodies in the blood show that the body has been in contact with the bacterium at some point, and they can stay positive long after successful treatment. So a blood antibody test cannot reliably confirm an active infection and is not suitable for checking eradication.
Active infection is diagnosed with a urea breath test or an H. pylori stool antigen test. The breath test is non-invasive, takes about half an hour and is suitable both for initial diagnosis and for checking whether treatment has worked.
If stopping an acid-reducing medication is difficult, discuss this with your doctor in advance. In some cases antacids or H2-receptor blockers can be used during the preparation period.
Not following the preparation rules increases the risk of a false-negative result: the bacterium may be temporarily suppressed but not eliminated. The test then comes back negative even though the infection persists.
If an active infection is confirmed, it needs to be treated. Eradication therapy combines several medications and is usually prescribed for 14 days. The choice of regimen depends on previous antibiotic use, possible bacterial resistance, allergies and regional data.
It is important to complete the full course. Missed doses or stopping treatment early reduce the chance of eradication and can contribute to the bacterium becoming resistant to antibiotics.
Every patient needs a test of cure no earlier than four weeks after finishing the antibiotics. Before the follow-up test you also need to avoid proton pump inhibitors for at least two weeks, and antibiotics and bismuth preparations for at least four weeks.
Follow-up testing uses a breath test, an H. pylori stool antigen test or, where there are specific indications, testing of a stomach biopsy sample. A blood antibody test is not suitable for this purpose.
The urea breath test for Helicobacter pylori is available at GMS Clinic. The test costs AED 350. A gastroenterologist consultation is AED 750.
Before testing, tell your doctor about all the medications you take, so that the right time for the test can be chosen and the result is reliable.
No. People without symptoms usually do not need testing. It is indicated with an ulcer, uninvestigated dyspepsia, stomach cancer in a first-degree relative, atrophic gastritis, planned long-term anti-inflammatory or aspirin use, unexplained iron deficiency anaemia, immune thrombocytopenia, or a confirmed infection in an adult you live with.
The breath test. Blood antibodies can stay positive long after successful treatment, so they cannot confirm an active infection. The urea breath test is non-invasive, takes about half an hour and suits both diagnosis and follow-up. At GMS it costs AED 350.
Yes, every patient does — no earlier than four weeks after finishing the antibiotics. A breath test or stool antigen test is used; a blood test is not suitable. Before the test avoid proton pump inhibitors for at least two weeks, and antibiotics and bismuth for at least four weeks.
This article is for information only and does not replace a consultation. If you have symptoms, see a doctor.
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