The case for Helicobacter pylori screening in migrant populations

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a global health concern, affecting over half of the world’s population, with particularly high prevalence among refugees and immigrants. The infection is strongly associated with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, dyspepsia, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, and gastric cancer. Migrants are at increased risk due to their origins in high-prevalence regions and may face barriers to healthcare access, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. This article discusses the importance of screening migrants (refugees, asylum seekers, and other immigrants) for H. pylori infection and provides an overview of available testing methods. Early detection and treatment can mitigate long-term complications and reduce the burden on healthcare systems in host countries.