Molecular Diagnostics Offer Faster H. pylori Detection and Resistance Prediction Than Culture

Original abstract

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) affects nearly half of the world's populations with high incidence and prevalence rates in developing countries. Infection with H. pylori increases the risk of developing peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. This review provides a summary of the prevalence and microbiology of H. pylori with emphasis on the current diagnostic methods and clinical management strategies. CONTENT: This review discusses current options and developments in H. pylori diagnosis with the challenges and advantages associated with both noninvasive and invasive methods. The advantages of molecular methods for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection and prediction of clarithromycin resistance directly from stool or tissue biopsies are discussed. In addition, we provide a brief review on the treatment for H. pylori indicated in patients with evidence of active infection with the organism's antimicrobial resistance patterns taken into consideration. SUMMARY: Testing for H. pylori has largely centered around fecal antigen testing, urea breath testing, and immunohistochemical staining from tissue biopsies. Culture-based diagnostics followed by phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing is the gold standard for detection of resistance patterns. Due to the fastidious nature of the organism, culture methods are time consuming and labor intensive. Rapid nucleic acid amplification tests for H. pylori identification from direct specimens and molecular determination of drug resistance markers are accurate alternatives for H. pylori diagnosis but are not widely adopted. H. pylori antimicrobial resistance rates are on the rise due to the widespread use of antibiotics. Antibiotic regimens including the quadruple therapy and non-clarithromycin triple therapies have a higher success rate, with newer vonoprazon-based regimens showing promising eradication rates.