Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common bacterial infection that affects the stomach lining and is a leading cause of peptic ulcers, gastritis, and even stomach cancer. The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) updated their guidelines last year. Here’s a quick overview of their key recommendations:
Diagnosis
The ACG emphasizes testing for H. pylori in patients with active peptic ulcers, a history of ulcers, or gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Non-invasive testing methods, such as stool antigen tests or urea breath tests, are preferred for initial diagnosis. In cases where endoscopy is performed, biopsy-based testing (like rapid urease testing or histology) is recommended.
Treatment
The ACG recommends a first-line treatment approach using *quadruple therapy*, which includes a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), bismuth, tetracycline, and metronidazole for 10–14 days for treatment naive and failed clarithromycin patients. This regimen is particularly effective in regions with high antibiotic resistance. Importantly, the guidelines stress the importance of avoiding clarithromycin-based therapies in patients with prior macrolide exposure due to increased resistance. Rifabutin based triple therapy and vonoprazan based therapy can also be considered.
Post-Treatment Testing
To ensure eradication, the ACG advises confirming the success of treatment through non-invasive testing (stool antigen or urea breath tests) at least 4 weeks after completing therapy and after stopping PPIs for 1–2 weeks. This step is critical to prevent complications like recurrent ulcers or gastric cancer.
Prevention and Patient Education
The guidelines highlight the importance of patient education regarding H. pylori transmission, which is often linked to contaminated food, water, or close contact with infected individuals. While routine screening in asymptomatic individuals is not recommended, targeted testing in high-risk populations (e.g., immigrants from high-prevalence regions or those with a family history of gastric cancer) may be beneficial.
Conclusion
The ACG’s guidelines provide a clear roadmap for managing H. pylori infections, emphasizing accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and follow-up testing. By adhering to these recommendations, healthcare providers can reduce the burden of H. pylori-related diseases and improve patient outcomes. If you suspect you may have an H. pylori infection, consult your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and care.
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