Helicobacter Pylori is a common chronic bacterial infection that is present in up to 31% of Singaporeans1. The majority of people infected with Helicobacter Pylori never experience any symptoms of complications. However, colonisation with Helicobacter Pylori is a major risk factor for peptic ulcer disease as well as gastric malignancy2.
Patients with dyspepsia (painful, difficult, or disturbed digestion) should be consider testing for a Helicobacter Pylori infection3. Helicobacter Pylori can be detected either through gastroscopy or through a carbon urea breath test.
Upon detection, a Helicobacter Pylori infection is treated with a course of antibiotics and confirmation of eradication is mandatory for all patients after treatment.
1. Ang TL, Fock KM, Ang D, et al, The changing profile of Helicobacter pylori antibiotic resistance in Singapore: a 15 year study. Helicobacter. 2016; 21:261-5
2. Sueubaum S, Michetti P. Helicobacter pylori infection. N Engl J Med 2002; 2002; 347:1175-86
3. Chew ACZ, Lye TF, Ang D, et al, The diagnosis and management of H. pylori infection in Singapore. Singapore Med J 2017; 58(5):234-240