Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in clinical practice.

Diagnostic tests used to detection Helicobacter pylori are divided into invasive (requiring endoscopy) and non-invasive, direct (bacteriological, histological or molecular detection of the bacterium) and indirect (detection of urease activity of the bacterium or antibodies to it). The choice of the test is determined by the clinical situation, as well as by its availability and cost. The sensitivity of most tests is affected by the use of antisecretory drugs and antibiotics.