Helicobacter pylori infection: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and therapy.

Helicobacter pylori is one of the most commonly encountered human pathogens. It has been shown to be closely associated with peptic ulcer disease (PUD), gastric adenocarcinoma, and the gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) that may lead to gastric lymphoma. The current diagnostic methods include histology, microbiological culture, classic serology, urease activity detection, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and stool antigen detection. Its treatment modality options are multiple; however, a triple regimen consisting of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and two antibiotics for 10 to 14 days is preferred. Drug resistance is a growing problem in this organism and new therapeutic options are currently limited.