Stefano Kayali
Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
Rosalia Aloe
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of Parma, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
Chiara Bonaguri
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of Parma, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
Federica Gaiani
Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
Marco Manfredi
Azienda USL of Reggio Emilia-IRCCS, Maternal and Child Department, Pediatric Unit, Sant’Anna Hospital, Castelnovo ne’ Monti, Reggio Emilia, Italy
Gioacchino Leandro
National Institute of Gastroenterology “S. De Bellis” Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Italy
Fabiola Fornaroli
Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
Francesco Di Mario
Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
Gian Luigi de' Angelis
Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
Keywords
Helicobacter pylori, infection, urea breath test, antibodies, stool antigen, eradication, diagnosis
Abstract
Usually, non-invasive tests are the first methods for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection. Among these, serological test, stool antigen research and urea breath test are the most used. Antibodies anti-HP are not recommended in low prevalence population, moreover they cannot reveal an ongoing infection, but they only prove a contact with the bacterium. Also, they can persist for a long time after the eradication of the infection, therefore, they should not be used to verify the success of eradication therapy. Stool antigen research and Urea Breath Test (UBT) are useful both in diagnosis and during follow-up after eradication treatment. The stool antigen test is cheaper than Urea breath test with similar sensitivity and specificity. Non-invasive tests are not able to diagnose the associated complications to HP infection.
Abstract