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The thousandth study participant has now been enrolled at Hannover Medical School (MHH). Since November 2022, the study team at the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, and Infectious Diseases has been investigating the prevalence and characteristics of the bacterial stomach pathogen Helicobacter pylori in Germany, thereby making a key contribution to improving treatment.
Helicobacter pylori is widespread worldwide: Around 50 percent of the world's population carries the bacterium. Many of those affected develop gastritis as a result. In about 20 percent of cases, this leads to stomach ulcers and in around one percent to stomach cancer. The aim of the HelicoPTER study is to further improve medical strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of this bacterium and to apply them in a more targeted manner.
“With the 1,000th participant, we have taken an important step toward realistically mapping the infection situation in Germany,” says Prof. Dr. Benjamin Heidrich, who is leading the study as principal investigator at MHH. “Only when we know how often the infection occurs and what the resistance situation looks like can we make treatment more effective in the long term.”
As part of the study, interested individuals can be tested for Helicobacter pylori free of charge. The test is straightforward and involves a simple blood sample. The data obtained will not only record the frequency and severity of the infection in the German population, but also show the extent to which antibiotic resistance already exists. Since the infection is treated with antibiotics, increasing resistance poses a particular challenge.
The HelicoPTER study is funded by the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF). The clinical trial is headed by Prof. Dr. Markus Gerhard (Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich) and Prof. Dr. Sebastian Suerbaum (Max von Pettenkofer Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich).
With the 1,000th study participant now enrolled, MHH is sending a clear signal about the progress being made in infection research. Recruitment for the study is continuing—an important contribution to reducing the long-term health consequences of this widespread infection.
Information about the study is available at helicobacter-testen.de. There you will also find a registration option under “Register for the test now.” Interested parties can also register by email at HelicopterStudie@mh-hannover.de or by phone at +49 176 / 1532-3301.