Global whole family based-Helicobacter pylori eradication strategy to prevent its related diseases and gastric cancer

Figure 1 Flow chart of whole family-based Helicobacter pylori infection management strategy. In a typical gastroenterology clinic, visiting patients are questioned for symptoms and signs, and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is tested. If the patient is H. pylori positive, the related family members are recommended to test H. pylori either by serological, stool antigen or urease breath tests, or both; this could include parents, spouses, children, or other members living in the same household. The infected family members are recommended to treat the infection, ideally at the same time, and follow up. If patients are confirmed as H. pylori negative, just following up without treatment is required. ¹Screen test for family members can be urease breath tests, or various antibody tests. H. pylori: Helicobacter pylori.