IMPORTANCE OF THE FIBEROPTIC ENDOSCOPE CLEANING PROCEDURE FOR DETECTION OF HELICOBACTER-PYLORI IN GASTRIC BIOPSY SPECIMENS BY PCR

A 16S ribosomal DNA-based PCR appeared to be a sensitive test for the detection of infection by Helicobacter pylori in 31 patients when comp ared with culturing and histological and serological techniques. For f ive patients, PCR was the only test with a positive result. H. pylori DNA was also found in gastrointestinal equipment even after standard i ntensive combined manual and machine cleaning. We therefore conclude t hat a reliable validation of PCR for the detection of H. pylori in gas tric biopsy specimens is possible only when the cleaning and disinfect ion method used has been proven to remove all H. pylori DNA from gastr ointestinal equipment. An adequate cleaning and disinfection method fo r the removal of H. pylori DNA from fiberoptic endoscopes is described .