30-40 Percent Of Americans May Be Infected With H. pylori, New Guidelines Address Treatment Of Dangerous Infection

Main Category: GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
Also Included In: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 21 Aug 2007 - 10:00 PDT

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The American Journal of Gastroenterology has published medical guidelines for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, one of the most common worldwide infections and an important factor linked to the development of peptic ulcer disease, gastric malignancy and dyspeptic symptoms.

According to guideline author Dr. William D. Chey of the University of Michigan Medical Center, this document provides an evidence-based update on the management of H. pylori infection. "It has been estimated that 30 - 40 percent of the U.S. population is infected with H. pylori, and a significant amount of new information regarding the management of this infection has become available since the last guidelines were published in 1998, so the time was right to revisit the topic."

Topics covered within the guidelines include:

The accepted and controversial indications for testing and treating H. pylori infection.

The best methods to test for H. pylori and how these diagnostic tests can most effectively be utilized in clinical practice.

The latest and most effective treatments for H. pylori infection.

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Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
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This study is published in the August issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology.

Dr. William D. Chey, F.A.C.G., A.G.A.F., F.A.C.P., is a Professor of Internal Medicine and Director of the GI Physiology Laboratory at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor.

The American Journal of Gastroenterology is the #1 clinical journal in gastroenterology. The journal brings a broad-based, interdisciplinary approach to the study of gastroenterology, including articles reporting on current observations, research results, methods of treatment, drugs, epidemiology, and other topics relevant to clinical gastroenterology. For more information, please visit http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/ajg.

Source: Sean Wagner
Blackwell Publishing Ltd.