Helicobacter pylori infection

As in the general population, the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in people with developmental disability is higher in those who have ever lived in residential care (including institutions, group homes and respite care centres) or who attend day centres.

Consider testing individuals for H. pylori if clinically indicated (eg if the person refuses food, is distressed or agitated with or after meals, or has night-time coughing), or if the person with developmental disability is moving into shared accommodation. Report any positive test results to the residential care administrator to ensure other residents are tested and treated at a household level.

H. pylori infection is diagnosed using urea breath tests, faecal antigen tests, serology or gastroscopy sampling. Urea breath tests are more specific, but are not always as feasible as faecal antigen tests in a person with developmental disability.

People with developmental disability who are infected with H. pylori need eradication therapy, as for the general population; see Gastrointestinal guidelines.