title: Review article: non-invasive methods for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection.
abstract: Non-invasive tests for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection are widely used in clinical practice and the management of patients with gastrointestinal disease. The serology and 13C-urea breath test are widely available, whereas salivary and faecal assay are still being developed. The non-invasive tests represent notable savings for the patient both in terms of money and discomfort. Whilst serology is the most widespread test its use is not advised in post-treatment follow-up. The 13C-urea breath test is a simple, safe and highly accurate method ideal to evaluate, in the short-term follow-up, Helicobacter pylori eradication after treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, University of Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Zagari
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bazzoli
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pozzato
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fossi
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: De Luca
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nicolini
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Berretti
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Roda
mesh_terms: D001944:Breath Tests; D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D012463:Saliva / Q000276:immunology; D012698:Serologic Tests / Q000379:methods; D014508:Urea / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D014508:Urea