Abstract

Helicobacter pylori was isolated 30 years ago. This opened up new research fields for cl inical medicine and basic science. Principally different treatment for peptic ulcer, new noninvasive diagnostic methods and strategies for prevention of Helicobacter pylori-associated diseases have been developed. The current article gives an overview of the recent consensus conclusions Maastricht IV for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Helicobacter pylori infection. Special interest is paid to the „test and treat“ strategy for dyspepsia patients in countries with high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection, for noninvasive diagnostic methods like Helicobacter pylori antigen stool tests and for prevention of gastric cancer through eradication of Helicobacter pylori. Maastricht I, II, III and IV recommendations are provided on the basis of the best current evidence. Physicians in Estonia are guided by these international recommendations as well as by the Estonian guideline for management of Helicobacter pylori infection-associated clinical conditions.