ABSTRACT
Background: Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection is a major risk factor for development of gastric cancer. Some studies demonstrated a high fungal infection rate in gastric cancer tissues. There are many methods to diagnose Hp and fungal infections, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Aims: To investigate the value of immunofluorescence staining for diagnosis of Hp and fungal infections in gastric mucosal biopsy specimens. Methods: A total of 450 gastric cancer patients undergoing gastroscopy from September 2019 to September 2020 at the General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command, PLA, were enrolled in this study. Gastric mucosal biopsy specimens were collected and stained with immuno-fluorescence, HE, and methylene blue, respectively, for detection of Hp infection, and stained with immunofluorescence and PAS, respectively, for detection of fungal infection. The microscopic findings and detection rate of various staining methods were analyzed and compared. Results: When stained with immunofluorescence, Hp was indicated by orange fluorescence on a dark black background, which was easily to be identified as compared with HE staining and methylene blue staining. The detection rate of immunofluorescence was superior to HE staining and equal to methylene blue staining (49.6% vs. 30.9%, P0.05). Fungi stained by immunofluorescence showed brilliant blue fluorescence, while those stained with PAS showed blurred red and were difficult to be distinguished from the red background. The detection rate of immunofluorescence staining was superior to PAS staining (31.6% vs. 20.2%, P<0.05). Conclusions: Immunofluorescence staining is a convenient, fast and effective method for detecting Hp and fungal infections in gastric mucosal biopsy specimens, and is helpful for diagnosis of gastric diseases.