What Is 幽门螺旋杆菌 and How Is It Transmitted?
Helicobacter pylori (幽门螺旋杆菌) is a spiral-shaped bacterium that infects the stomach lining and is a primary cause of peptic ulcers and chronic gastritis. It is also classified as a Group 1 carcinogen due to its association with gastric cancer. Transmission typically occurs in childhood through oral-oral or fecal-oral routes. Contaminated food, water, and close contact with infected individuals are common sources of infection.
Symptoms and Health Risks of 幽门螺旋杆菌 Infection
While many individuals carry 幽门螺旋杆菌 asymptomatically, others may experience symptoms such as:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Frequent burping
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
If left untreated, 幽门螺旋杆菌 can lead to serious complications, including:
- Peptic ulcers
- Chronic gastritis
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma
- Gastric cancer
Who Should Be Tested for 幽门螺旋杆菌?
Testing is critical for individuals presenting with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms. Certain populations who have an elevated risk and should be proactively screened are:
- Adult household members who live with someone with a confirmed 幽门螺旋杆菌 infection
- First-degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) with a family history of gastric cancer
- Individuals with unexplained iron deficiency anemia or B12 deficiency
- Patients under 60 with uninvestigated dyspepsia
For more on Meridian’s testing solutions, visit our H. pylori disease area page.
How Is 幽门螺旋杆菌 Treated?
Standard treatment involves a combination of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Due to increasing antibiotic resistance, treatment should be guided by regional resistance patterns. Patient compliance and complete therapy adherence are essential to successful eradication.
The Importance of Retesting After Treatment
A single round of treatment does not guarantee eradication. Clinical guidelines recommend retesting 4 weeks after therapy completion to confirm the bacteria has been eliminated. Failure to retest can result in:
- Continued gastric inflammation
- Risk of ulcer recurrence
- Increased gastric cancer risk
- Ongoing transmission to close contacts
Meridian’s Curian HpSA test offers a reliable, non-invasive method for confirming eradication.
Support Confident Diagnosis with Meridian Bioscience
Meridian Bioscience offers a comprehensive portfolio of non-invasive 幽门螺旋杆菌 diagnostic tools, including urea breath testing as well as stool antigen testing platforms. With a focus on accuracy, efficiency, and ease of use, Meridian empowers laboratories and healthcare providers to deliver timely, reliable answers.
Take Action: Enhance your diagnostic solutions. Trust Meridian for definitive 幽门螺旋杆菌 detection and eradication testing.