Since the first culture of Helicobacter pylori 20 years ago, the diagnosis and treatment of upper gastroduodenal disease have changed dramatically. Peptic ulcer disease is now approached as an infectious disease, in which elimination of the causative agent cures the condition. The role of H. pylori infection in gastric cancers is increasingly recognized, and its role in other diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract is being evaluated. Enormous progress has been achieved in determining the pathogenesis of this infection. Effective antimicrobial therapy is available, although there is still no ideal treatment, and indications for therapy continue to evolve. Infection with H. pylori occurs worldwide, but the prevalence varies greatly among countries and among population groups within the same country. The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection is strongly correlated with socioeconomic conditions. The prevalence among middle-aged adults is over 80 percent in many developing countries, as compared with 20 to 50 percent in industrialized countries. The infection is acquired by oral ingestion of the bacterium and is mainly transmitted within families in early childhood. Diagnostic methods have also been expanded with the evolution of H. pylori infection treatments. In spite of this, the standard methods applicable, especially in the population at risk, is still missing

Helicobacter Pylori Infection, Diagnostic tests