Polymerase chain reaction versus other diagnostic techniques for detection of helicobacter pylori in gastric biopsy specimens

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Helicobacter Pylori is a common bacteria found in the stomach that can cause ulcers and more rarely gastric cancer. There are multiple diagnostic tests that are currently available to detect this microorganism possibly making it difficult for providers to choose the most accurate or inexpensive test. It is important to diagnosis H. pylori in symptomatic patients due to the potential of eliciting a series of pathologic consequences in the extra-gastric regions. These consequences have been studied at length and can include cardiovascular and autoimmune disorders as well as certain digestive disorders such as liver disease