ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to assess and compare the diagnostic accuracy of Helicobacter pylori stool antigen [HpSA] test with three other invasive and non-invasive diagnostic methods. A total of Fifty-two dyspeptic patients were included. None of the patients had previous eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori. Endoscopic biopsy samples were obtained for histology examination and Rapid Urease Test [RUT]. Urea Breath Test [UBT] and HpSA were also performed. Patients were considered Helicobacter pylori positive when 2 of 3 tests [histology examination, RUT and UBT] were positive [gold standard]. Diagnostic accuracy of HpSA was assessed performing a Receiver Operating Curve [ROC] analysis. Twenty-three Were men and 29 Were women, with a mean age of 42.3 years of the Patients. The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection was 67.3%. ROC curve analysis was showed a significant area under curve of 94.6% [p=0.0001]. Cut-off value was estimated to be 0.1. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of HpSA wa 91.4%, 94.1%, 97% and 84%, respectively. HpSA level significantly increased with increasing in bacterial load. HpSA was proved to be a highly accurate, simple and non-invasive test for the diagnosis of Helicobater pylori infection before treatment in dyspeptic patients