Helicobacter pylori infection remains one of the most common chronic bacterial infections worldwide and is a key cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancer. While many infected individuals remain asymptomatic, persistent infection can lead to progressive gastric pathology and long-term complications.
This course reviews current diagnostic approaches for H. pylori, including both invasive and non-invasive testing methods, and highlights the role of molecular testing in identifying antibiotic resistance. Particular focus is placed on PCR-based testing, which enables rapid detection of infection and resistance mutations to guide personalised treatment decisions and improve eradication rates.
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Recognise the role of H. pylori in gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancer
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Understand when invasive testing such as biopsy or histology is required
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Identify when testing for H. pylori is clinically indicated
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Recognise the impact of antibiotic resistance on treatment effectiveness
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Compare key diagnostic methods including urea breath test, stool antigen, and PCR
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Understand how PCR testing supports resistance-guided therapy
