Attitude to Helicobacter pylori infection among Swiss gastroenterologists

Object: To assess the current attitude to Helicobacter pylori infection in Switzerland, since a review of the literature reveals few publications deal ing with application of therapeutic recommendations. Methods: The initial diagnostic methods, the indications for eradication th erapy, the therapeutic regimen and its duration, together with eradication control, were indicated in questionnaires sent out to the members of the Sw iss Society for Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the beginning of 1997. Results: Helicobacter pylori was diagnosed mainly with a rapid urease test and/or histology. Peptic ulcer disease (100%), mucosa associated lymphoid t issue (MALT) lymphoma (94.5%) and therapy-resistant dyspepsia (78.7%) were clear indications for Helicobacter pylori eradication. Only a minority erad icated Helicobacter pylori in all positive subjects. 7-day triple therapy ( with proton pump inhibitors, a macrolide antibiotic and an imidazole deriva tive) is the preferred first line treatment. Conclusions: The eradication of Helicobacter pylori in ulcer disease is est ablished practice. Non-ulcer dyspepsia remains a controversial but often us ed indication. Two antibiotics together with proton pump inhibitors constit ute the mostly widely used eradication therapy.