The diagnosis and treatment ofHelicobacter pyloriinfection in Arctic regions with a high prevalence of infection: Expert Commentary

Abstract

SUMMARYHelicobacter pyloriinfection is a major cause of peptic ulcer and is also associated with chronic gastritis, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, and adenocarcinoma of the stomach. Guidelines have been developed in the United States and Europe (areas with low prevalence) for the diagnosis and management of this infection, including the recommendation to ‘test and treat’ those with dyspepsia. A group of international experts performed a targeted literature review and formulated an expert opinion for evidenced-based benefits and harms for screening and treatment ofH. pyloriin high-prevalence countries. They concluded that in Arctic countries whereH. pyloriprevalence exceeds 60%, treatment of persons withH. pyloriinfection should be limited only to instances where there is strong evidence of direct benefit in reduction of morbidity and mortality, associated peptic ulcer disease and MALT lymphoma and that the test-and-treat strategy may not be beneficial for those with dyspepsia.