Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a prevalent pathogenic bacteria impacting the population worldwide. This variety of bacteria is acknowledged as a common agent for various gastrointestinal diseases. In some unfortunate cases, it also leads to cancer. The H. pylori diagnostic test is the only way to discern this infection.

The estimated prevalence for the period between 2011 and 2022 is still alarmingly high, reaching up to 43.1%^[1].

Geographic disparities in Helicobacter pylori infection rates are significant, with prevalence as high as 80% in poor and developing countries compared to 20-50% in developed nations. Statistics reveal that by 2015, approximately 4.4 billion individuals globally were infected with H. pylori. The overall prevalence was highest in Africa at 70.1%, whereas Oceania reports the lowest rate at 24.4%^[2].

World Gastroenterology Organisation, 2021

Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28456631

H. pylori Infection

• Transmission Routes

pylori infection is ordinarily transmitted through oral routes by saliva exchange. However, it can also be transmitted through environmental factors when exposed to contaminated surfaces. In poor hygiene conditions, it is also known to spread through food and water.

• Risk Factors

The biggest risk factors of H. pylori infection are poor living conditions coupled with deficient sanitation. This added to inferior socioeconomic conditions, is often associated with an increased prevalence rate. People with a family history should be extra keen and get a Helicobacter pylori test at the earliest symptom.

• The Dangers of Infection

If the diagnostic test for H. pylori is not taken on time, the infection may lead to grave outcomes. At earlier stages, it is the basis for gastritis, peptic ulcer, and MALT lymphoma. Long-term H. pylori infection may increase the risk of stomach cancer.

• Common Symptoms

pylori symptoms are pain and bloating. Abdominal pain may also be followed by feelings of nausea and vomiting. Long-term indicators are appetite loss leading to weight loss. There may also be discomfort in eating. It is also noted that some individuals remain asymptomatic, which is why the H. pylori diagnostic test is the only way to verify the detection.

What are H. pylori Diagnostic Tests?

Recognizing what is H. pylori and H. pylori symptoms leads us to the succeeding part of different types of H. pylori diagnostic tests:

1. pylori Blood Test: The principle behind blood tests is the detection of specific antibodies. It will be indicated in laboratory analysis if the immune system of the patient is working to counter the presence of infection in the body.
2. Upper Endoscopy (EsophagoGastroduodenoscopy): In this H. pylori diagnostic test, the infection is discovered through scope A tissue sample is further collected for lab testing.
3. pylori Stool Test: In stool H. pylori diagnostic test, the presence of H. pylori antigen is tested in stool samples. This test is relatively easy for the patient.
4. pylori Breath Test (Urea Breath Test): The procedure for urea breath test entails swallowing urea that is labeled with a carbon isotope. A track of carbon dioxide releasedfrom the body is kept. A breath sample is taken to confirm the diagnosis.

How H. pylori Diagnostic Tests are Conducted?

The following steps are involved in above mentioned H. pylori diagnostic tests:

H. pylori Blood Test	Upper Endoscopy	H. pylori Stool Test	H. pylori Breath Test
● Avoid taking medication before the test. ● Collection of blood through the needle. ● Sample sent to laboratory for examination. ● Results are available within a few days.	● Fasting for 6-8 hours prior to the test. ● A sedative is administered to relax the patient. ● Endoscope inserted through mouth down to the stomach. ● Small tissue sample collected through endoscope. ● Results are available within a week.	● Stool sample collected in a small container. ● Sample handed to a healthcare provider. ● Sent for analysis to the laboratory. ● Results are available within a few days.	● Fasting for more than 2 hours before the test. ● Urea isotope solution given to patients. ● A waiting period of 15-30 minutes. ● Results are typically obtained quickly within 30 minutes to 1 hour.

How to Choose the Most Suitable H. pylori Diagnostic for You?

Each H. pylori diagnostic test has its own benefits and drawbacks, and the best for you depends on your situation.

Test Method	Advantages	Disadvantages
H. pylori Blood Test	Non-invasive.	Cannot distinguish between active infection and past infection.
Upper Endoscopy	Direct visualization.	Invasive and expensive.
H. pylori Stool Test	Useful for eradication confirmation.	Mishandling in storage and transport.
H. pylori Breath Test (Urea Breath Test)	Non-invasive, highly sensitive with high specificity, also quick and convenient, useful for eradication confirmation.	Preparation requirements such as fasting.

A widespread bacterial infection such as H. pylori infection can be eluded by taking proper care of sanitation of the surroundings. However, if the H. pylori infection is caught, then ensure proper diagnosis at all costs.

The Urea Breath Test is one of the most sensitive and accurate non-invasive tests, yet it is not available everywhere.

¹³C Urea Breath Test Procedure

¹⁴C Urea Breath Test Procedure

With over 20 years of innovative experience and substantial resource support, Headway is currently the leading manufacturer & supplier of ¹³C & ¹⁴C Urea Breath Test systems in the world. Our wide range of H. pylori diagnostic test kits and innovative medical solutions are ideally suited for infection detection and Helicobacter pylori therapy. Boasting a 7,000m² production area and 3 advanced R&D Centers, we have served more than 74 countries and regions, providing reliable breath tests to over 20,000 medical institutions worldwide.

Visit the Headway website for H. pylori diagnostic tests service and more expert guidance.

References:

[1] Global prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection between 1980 and 2022: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Available at: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langas/article/PIIS2468-1253(23)00070-5/(Accessed: 5 August 2024)

[2] Global Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28456631/(Accessed: 5 August 2024)