ABSTRACT
Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori] is recognized as the major cause of gastritis and peptic ulcer disease and has been classified as a carcinogen class I. Various tests have been developed to diagnose the infection, but all have limitations. H.pylori can be detected by non-invasive and invasive methods, the latter requiring endoscopy. Noninvasive testing for H.pylori is widely available and has been considered as an initial management strategy for uninvestigated dyspepsia. The aim of the present study was the evaluation of the different techniques used for diagnosis of the organism and to compare these techniques to the traditional ones. The present study was carried out on 40 patients suffering from dyspepsia. From these patients gastric biopsy specimens were taken for detection of H.pylori infection by the conventional methods [H and E staining, rapid urease test "RUT", and culture] and the PCR assay. In addition, stool samples were taken for the detection of H.pylori antigen and DNA by ELISA and PCR techniques respectively, saliva samples for PCR and blood samples for detection of H.pylori antibodies IgG were also taken. A case was considered positive for H.pylori infection if the organism was isolated by the culture or at least two of the conventional methods were positive. H.pylori infection was detected in 30 cases [75%]. H.pylori stool assay [HpSA] gave the highest rate of detection [70%], followed by serum antibody detection [50%]. The lowest rate of detection of H.pylori infection was by PCR assay in the stool and the saliva, which detected only 52.5% and 25% of cases respectively. H.pylori in the stool assay [HpSA] could be used as a routine diagnostic tool for H.pylori infection. It seems to overcome some limitations of the conventional invasive techniques. It has the potential advantages of being simple to perform, relatively cheap, and samples can be submitted directly from primary care