Review: Helicobacter pylori. Current issues and new directions

The present review outlines current management issues and controversies related to Helicobacter pylori infection. Clearance of this infection markedly reduces the likelihood of duodenal and gastric ulcer recurrence and may result in the regression of low grade primary gastric lymphoma. Recent therapeutic advances have seen the development of simpler drug regimens to treat H. pylori that have fewer side effects and are shorter in duration. Clearance of the infection can be achieved in 80-95% of patients treated, depending on the drug regimen used, compliance with medications and antibiotic sensitivity. In developed nations reinfection is uncommon after successful treatment. Data do not currently support treatment of this infection for non-ulcer dyspepsia or for the prevention of gastric cancer, although whether certain individuals or populations may benefit from such treatment remains to be clarified.