[The practical assessment of H. pylori eradication]

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) gastritis has been approved by Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare as an additional indication for H. pylori eradication in Japan on Feburary 21, 2013. Diagnostic methods of H. pylori infection have been divided into direct (invasive) and indirect (non-invasive). Invasive tests requiring endoscopic biopsy include culture, histology and rapid urease test (RUT). Non-invasive tests not requiring endoscopic biopsy include measurement of H. pylori antibody(serum, urine), urea breath test(UBT) and stool antigen test. Assessment of the efficacy of H. pylori eradication therapy should be performed at least 4 weeks after the completion of treatment. UBT and monoclonal stool antigen test are both recommended for the assessment of H. pylori eradication. When the results obtained is doubtful for assessment of H. pylori eradication, it is preferable to perform another test or follow-up.