Validity of a rapid serologic test for diagnosis of helicobacter pylori

ABSTRACT

The study was done to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of a rapid serologic test for qualitative determination of Anti H. pylori IgG in human whole blood by chromatographic immunoassay in patients undergoing upper Gastrointestinal endoscopy. Design: Descriptive Sampling Non-probability, purposive [presenting with upper GI symptoms for more than two weeks]. Site Medical Unit II, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital. Duration July 2002 - Feb 2003. Patients and Subjects: Thirty three patients [16 males; 17 females], age 18 - 60 yrs, presenting with upper GI symptoms for two weeks or more and who agreed to undergo sure step WB/signify WB test and upper GI endoscopy. Method: A qualitative serologic test for detection of Anti H.pylori IgG was performed on whole blood of the patient who then underwent upper GI endoscopy and biopsy was taken from antrum of the stomach and sent for histopathology. Those who showed mucosal inflammation and presence of H. pylori [by Giemsa stain] were considered true positive. Sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values were determined. Result: For a rapid serologic test for detection of Anti H. pylori antibody in whole blood [sure step; signify] following results were obtained. Sensitivity - 89.47% Specificity - 78.57% Positive predictive value - 85.00% Negative predictive value - 84.60% Qualitative detection of IgG to H. pylori by rapid serologic test on human whole blood is a highly sensitive and specific method for detecting infection with H. pylori