What Is H. pylori and How Is It Transmitted?
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral-shaped bacterium that infects the stomach lining and is a primary cause of peptic ulcers and chronic gastritis. It is also classified as a Group 1 carcinogen due to its association with gastric cancer. Transmission typically occurs in childhood through oral-oral or fecal-oral routes. Contaminated food, water, and close contact with infected individuals are common sources of infection.
Symptoms and Health Risks of H. pylori Infection
While many individuals carry H. pylori asymptomatically, others may experience symptoms such as:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Frequent burping
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
If left untreated, H. pylori can lead to serious complications, including:
- Peptic ulcers
- Chronic gastritis
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma
- Gastric cancer
Who Should Be Tested for H. pylori?
Testing is critical for individuals presenting with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms. Certain populations who have an elevated risk and should be proactively screened are:
- Adult household members who live with someone with a confirmed H. pylori infection
- First-degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) with a family history of gastric cancer
- Individuals with unexplained iron deficiency anemia or B12 deficiency
- Patients under 60 with uninvestigated dyspepsia
For more on Meridian’s testing solutions, visit our H. pylori disease area page.
How Is H. pylori Treated?
Standard treatment involves a combination of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Due to increasing antibiotic resistance, treatment should be guided by regional resistance patterns. Patient compliance and complete therapy adherence are essential to successful eradication.
The Importance of Retesting After Treatment
A single round of treatment does not guarantee eradication. Clinical guidelines recommend retesting 4 weeks after therapy completion to confirm the bacteria has been eliminated. Failure to retest can result in:
- Continued gastric inflammation
- Risk of ulcer recurrence
- Increased gastric cancer risk
- Ongoing transmission to close contacts
Meridian’s Curian HpSA test offers a reliable, non-invasive method for confirming eradication.
Support Confident Diagnosis with Meridian Bioscience
Meridian Bioscience offers a comprehensive portfolio of non-invasive H. pylori diagnostic tools, including urea breath testing as well as stool antigen testing platforms. With a focus on accuracy, efficiency, and ease of use, Meridian empowers laboratories and healthcare providers to deliver timely, reliable answers.
Take Action: Enhance your diagnostic solutions. Trust Meridian for definitive H. pylori detection and eradication testing.
