Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, is a sneaky bacteria that infects the stomach lining and results in various gastrointestinal conditions, including gastritis and peptic ulcers. It can be contracted through contaminated food or water and is hard to detect as it is usually asymptomatic.
The good news is that it can be diagnosed through tests, such as blood or stool tests, and can be treated with a combination of antibiotics and stomach-soothing medications. In this article, we will find out which test is the most accurate to detect H. pylori and why it is important to get screened.
Also Read: Can H. Pylori Increase The Risk Of Stomach Cancer? Expert Explains
Why Diagnosing H. Pylori Is Important
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Ankita Pal Singh, Chief of Lab, Neuberg Diagnostics, APTS, said, “Untreated H. pylori infection can lead to peptic ulcers and gastritis and increase the risk of stomach cancer.”
While half the world carries this bacteria, most experience no symptoms, as per a study published in the Clinical Microbiology Review.
Researchers found that long-term infection significantly increases the risk of specific diseases.
Roughly 10% of infected individuals develop stomach ulcers, 1–3% develop stomach cancer, and a very small percentage develop a specific type of lymphoma.
A 2001 study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) also found that H. pylori infection significantly increases the risk of non-cardia stomach cancer, with a risk nearly six times higher compared to uninfected individuals.
Dr Pal advised, “Testing is crucial to prevent complications, such as bleeding ulcers or malignant transformation,” adding that early detection allows for effective treatment, reducing the risk of long-term health issues and improving overall well-being.”
Also Read: Stomach Cancer Awareness Month: Causes, Risk Factors And Treatment
Stool Or Blood Test: Which Is More Accurate?
According to Dr Pal, stool tests are typically more accurate than blood tests in detecting H. pylori infection.
This is because they directly detect bacterial antigens, whereas blood tests rely on antibodies, which may not always indicate a current infection.
Dr Pal said, “Stool tests offer higher sensitivity and specificity, making them preferred for diagnostics. They directly detect bacterial antigens in the stool sample, providing a more accurate assessment of the infection status.”
“This higher accuracy ensures more reliable diagnosis and appropriate treatment, reducing the risk of complications associated with untreated H. pylori infection, such as peptic ulcers and gastric cancer,” she added.
Treatment for H. Pylori
Treatment of H. pylori typically involves a combination of antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, amoxicillin, or metronidazole, along with proton pump inhibitors or H2-receptor antagonists to reduce stomach acid, shared Dr Pal.
“This eradicates the bacteria, resolves associated symptoms, and decreases the risk of complications like ulcers or cancer,” she concluded.