Helicobacter pylori: Overview and Considerations for Diagnostic Testing

Epidemiology²

August 2010

Humans are the primary vectors for Helicobacter pylori transmission. This may occur through:

• Fecal/oral
• Oral/oral, or
• Gastric/oral contamination

Household transmission of Helicobacter pylori gastroenteritis may occur, particularly in households with small children. Other epidemiologic factors shown to contribute to transmission include household crowding, low income, genetic predisposition, lifestyle, and other socioeconomic factors.

An estimated 25 percent of US children between 6 and 19 years old are infected with Helicobacter pylori. Infections may be asymptomatic, and infection rates increase with age. Overall, the seropositivity rate among US adults is estimated to be approximately 32.7%.

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Jump to section:

• Introduction
• Overview
• Helicobacter pylori
• Helicobacter spp. History¹
• Epidemiology²
• Pathogenesis
• Diagnosis of Infection
• Testing
• Types of Testing
• Endoscopy
• Rapid Urease Test
• Culture
• Types of Testing
• Urea Breath Test
• Urea Breath Test Limitations
• Serology - IgM and IgA ELISA³
• Serology: IgG ELFA
• Serology
• Serology Limitations
• Fecal Antigen Test EIA
• "Test of Cure"
• Algorithm
• Conclusions
• Tests Available From Mayo Medical Laboratories
• References
• Questions?