| Summary: | The high prevalence of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> and the variety of gastroduodenal diseases caused by this pathogen necessitate the use of only accurate methods both for the primary diagnosis and for monitoring the eradication effectiveness. There is a broad spectrum of diagnostic methods available for detecting <i>H. pylori</i>. All methods can be classified as invasive or non-invasive. The need for upper endoscopy, different clinical circumstances, sensitivity and specificity, and accessibility defines the method chosen. This article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of the current options and novel developments in diagnostic tests for <i>H. pylori</i> detection. The progress in endoscopic modalities has made it possible not only to diagnose precancerous lesions and early gastric cancer but also to predict <i>H. pylori</i> infection in real time. The contribution of novel endoscopic evaluation technologies in the diagnosis of <i>H. pylori</i> such as visual endoscopy using blue laser imaging (BLI), linked color imaging (LCI), and magnifying endoscopy is discussed. Recent studies have demonstrated the capability of artificial intelligence to predict <i>H. pylori</i> status based on endoscopic images. Non-invasive diagnostic tests such as the urea breathing test and stool antigen test are recommended for primary diagnosis of <i>H. pylori</i> infection. Serology can be used for initial screening and epidemiological studies. The histology showed its value in detecting <i>H. pylori</i> and provided more information about the degree of gastric mucosa inflammation and precancerous lesions. Molecular methods are mainly used in detecting antibiotic resistance of <i>H. pylori</i>. Cultures from gastric biopsies are the gold standard and recommended for antibiotic susceptibility tests.
|
|---|
