ISSN:
1365-2036
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Background : Detection of Helicobacter pylori antigen in faeces is a valid method to diagnose H. pylori infection. Presently available stool tests are performed in the laboratory, and diagnostic report is delayed.Aim : To evaluate a new rapid stool test in a pre-treatment setting and to compare it with a validated laboratory stool test.Methods : A total of 105 patients underwent gastroscopy with brush cytology, and biopsies for histology and rapid urease test, to assess H. pylori presence. Helicobacter pylori-status was considered positive if at least two tests were positive; negative if all tests were negative; indeterminate if one test was positive and two negative. Stool specimens were tested using either a rapid immunoassay kit (ImmunoCard STAT) or a laboratory enzyme immunoassay kit (Hp StAR).Results : Sixty patients were infected with H. pylori, 44 non-infected, one indeterminate. The sensitivity and specificity of ImmunoCard STAT were 85 and 93%; those of Hp StAR were 88 and 100% (not significant).Conclusions : ImmunoCard STAT seems a reliable method for detecting H. pylori in untreated patients. It could replace laboratory stool tests, as it is easy and can be performed quickly. These characteristics might be a breakthrough for diagnosing H. pylori in the doctor's office.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2036.2005.02355.x
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