The Importance of Accurate Early Diagnosis and Eradication in Helicobacter pylori Infection: Pictorial Summary Review in Children and Adults

Abstract

Among the most widespread childhood infections, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) develops potentially life-threatening conditions in adults if not appropriately treated. Helicobacter pylori is a common human pathogen that was first described in the stomach many years ago. The discovery of H. pylori was crucial in gastroenterology; this bacterium is associated with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, gastric cancer, and lymphoid tissue lymphoma related to the gastric mucosa. Studies published so far estimate that approximately 10% of subjects infected with H. pylori develop a peptic ulcer, and 1–3% of subjects develop gastric cancer. The clinical manifestations are variable and characteristically depend on the individual factors of the host. Various methods of detection and diagnosis of H. pylori infection have been developed, each with advantages, disadvantages, and/or limitations. Available diagnostic tests are usually performed using invasive (endoscopy, biopsy, rapid urease test, cultures, and molecular tests) and noninvasive methods (urea breath test, stool antigen examination, and serological and molecular tests). Although there is extensive accessibility for diagnosing and treating H. pylori infection, the prevalence of antibiotic resistance is not negligible. Thus, numerous studies and meta-analyses are focused on a new orientation of gastroenterologists in diagnosing and treating H. pylori infections. A fascinating perspective hypothesis is the administration of probiotics to reduce H. pylori adhesion to gastric epithelial cells, preventing H. pylori colonization, especially in children, or reinfection with H. pylori in high-risk adult patients.

Gut–Brain Axis, Microbiota and Probiotics—Current Knowledge on Their Role in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Review

“…This hypothesis is sustained by the evidence of Helicobacter pylori involvement in other related complications, such as atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and gastric cancer [74].…”

Helicobacter pylori and gastric cancer: a critical approach to who really needs eradication

“…An additional problem with H. pylori eradication is the administration of antibiotic-based regimens in children as children very rarely suffer serious consequences particularly in the west. The matter is still open to debate [90]. An interesting possibility for children is the hypothesis that administration of probiotics reduces H. pylori adhesion to gastric epithelial cells and prevents colonization.…”

Diagnóstico serológico de Helicobacter Pylori: Enfoque desde la atención primaria

“…La efectividad de estas pruebas puede variar geográficamente debido a las diferencias en la prevalencia de cepas bacterianas específicas. (Marginean et al, 2022) 2022 Romania…”