An overview of Helicobacter pylori infections, diagnostic methods and treatment

Background: Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world, causing peptic ulcers and gastric cancer in humans. Methods: Here, we used the words 'Helicobacter pylori', 'identification' and 'treatment' from the published data in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases for this study. Results: Methods of identification of H. pylori are divided into two categories: invasive and noninvasive. Invasive methods detect bacteria directly from gastric biopsy, but noninvasive methods examine different samples. The key to effective treatment for H. pylori infection is the use of combination therapy, similar to the treatment for bacterial meningitis or endocarditis. Although alternative therapies, including herbal remedies and probiotics, have been used to improve eradication, current treatments still rely on a combination of antimicrobial agents such as amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, and levofloxacin, as well as antisecretory agents such as proton pump inhibitors. Conclusion: Both invasive and noninvasive diagnostic methods identify H. pylori. Combination therapies are more efficient in eradicating the bacterium.