Testing for Helicobacter pylori
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacteria found in the stomach of about one in three people in the UK. The bacteria is a major causal factor of stomach (gastric) and duodenal ulcers. About 90% of people with a duodenal ulcer have H. pylori and over 80% of those with a gastric ulcer have the bacteria. Many people with H. pylori do not have any symptoms and will never develop ulcers.
How is it acquired?
It has been suggested that contaminated food or water may be sources of infection, but the evidence is not conclusive. Of those who have not picked up the bacteria by the time they reach adulthood, about 1% to 3% of adults acquire the infection each year.
Who should be tested?
Testing for H. pylori is useful for everyone because :-
(a) If a person is showing symptoms of an ulcer (a strong burning sensation, often when the stomach is empty) then a short, one week course of antibiotics will eradicate the bacteria and in most cases the ulcer will heal.
(b) If a person has no symptoms of an ulcer and tests positive for H. pylori then no action is required but if they at a later stage develop symptoms of an ulcer then action can be taken quickly with antibiotics to eradicate the H. pylori before the ulcer has a chance to develop properly.
(c) If a person has a family history of stomach cancer (a rare cancer) the risk is higher with H. pylori infection.
What does the test involve?
It is a simple finger prick test requiring 2 drops of blood. It detects whether there are H. pylori antibodies in the blood. If there are plentiful antibodies in the blood the bacteria is in the stomach.