H pylori infection. Review of the guideline for diagnosis and treatment.

Helicobacter pylori infection is prevalent among persons over age 60, is strongly associated with peptic and duodenal ulcer, and is caused by a microbe classified as a carcinogen. These factors combine to make the primary care physician key to proper diagnosis and treatment of H pylori infection. In 1998, the American College of Gastroenterology published an evidence-based guideline for the management of this infection. The guideline produced several fundamental recommendations that help clarify the management process: asymptomatic persons should not undergo testing, but testing should be performed on certain persons, testing should only be done if the intention is to treat; the choice of test is governed by the need for endoscopy; and several triple-therapy regimens are effective for eradication.