Comparison of five detection methods for Helicobacter pylori

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate which diagnostic test is preferable for the diagnosi s of Helicobacter pylori in patients with gastroduodenal disease. STUDY DESIGN: H pylori infection was diagnosed prospectively in 101 patient s. Diagnosis of H pylori was made by tests based on five different principl es: (1) culture, (2) direct histologic demorzstration, (3) imprint nJtology , (4) brushing cytology and (5) gram staining of H pylori. Efficacy of each test was compared. RESULTS: All the tests were reliable for diagnosing H pylori infection; 73. 3% of patients showed concordance in at least two tests. All the tests were positive in > 50% of patients. Significant concordance between brushing an d imprint cytology was also determined. These two tests have almost similar specificity when compared to other tests. CONCLUSION: When patients undergo upper endoscopy, we recommend taking biop sy specimens for culture and histology. H pylori can be assessed equally we ll with all the tests, but imprint and brushing cytology have the advantage of rapid response, specificity, much lower cost and reproducibility.