Helicobacter pylori infection in older people

Abstract

Since the discovery of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection as the major cause of gastroduodenal disorders three decades ago, H. pylori has been the focus of active research and debate in the scientific community. Its linkage to several diseases, such as peptic ulcer disease, gastritis and gastric malignancy is incontestable. In particular, it has been noticed that, as the aged population is increasing worldwide, older people are at increased risk of developing several gastroduodenal diseases and related complications. At the same time, gastric cancer is definitely more frequent in elderly than in adult and young people. In addition, it has been showed that peptic ulcer and related complications occur much more commonly in aged individuals than in young people, resulting in a significantly higher mortality. Although this infection plays a crucial role in gastrointestinal disorders affecting all age groups and in particular older people, only a few studies have been published regarding the latter. This article presents an overview of the epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical manifestations and therapy of H. pylori infection in elderly people.

Keywords: Elderly; Helicobacter pylori; Diagnosis; Clinical features; Treatment

Core tip: Gastritis, peptic ulcer and related complications occur more commonly in elderly people. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) testing and treatment should be regarded as an important goal in clinical practice in elderly people, but only a few studies have been published to date. This article presents an overview of the epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical manifestations and therapy of H. pylori infection with a focus on elderly people, based on a multidimensional approach and the clinical practice modifications (or not) aroused during the past three decades.