This article reviews aspects concerning Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment in Greece. As in most countries H. pylori is the
cause of most peptic ulcer disease and a primary risk factor for gastric cancer.
Eradication of the organism results in ulcer healing and reduces the risk of ulcer
recurrence and complications. Testing and treatment have no clear value in patients with
documented nonulcer dyspepsia; however, a strategy of testing and treating is preferred
in non-differentiated dyspepsia patients without endoscopy. In the office setting, initial
serology testing is practical and affordable, with endoscopy reserved for use in patients
with alarm symptoms for ulcer complications, cancer or those who do not respond to
treatment. Treatment involves 10- to 14-day multidrug regimens including antibiotics
and acid suppressants, combined with education about avoidance of other ulcer-causing
factors and close follow-up. Follow-up testing (i.e., urea breath or stool antigen test) is
recommended for patients who do not respond to therapy or those with a history of ulcer
complications or cancer.
Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, eradication,
Greece, Maastricht IV consensus, peptic ulcer, non-ulcer dyspepsia.
