Urease test in the management and follow-up of campylobacter gastritis

ABSTRACT

Campylobacter pyloridis colonization of the stomach may be an etiological factor in gastritis and peptic ulceration. Campylobacter pyloridis produces large amounts of urease, and the presence of this enzyme in gastric mucosa usually indicates infection with the organism. In this study CLO test was used to detect Campylobacter pyloridis infection in gastric mucosal biopsies. Out of 32 patients, 30 biopsies were urease test positive, 24 cases after 20 minutes, 26 cases after 3hours and 30 biopsies after 24 hours. The presence of chronic active gastritis was constant in Campylobacter positive biopsies and the use of triple antimicrobial therapy continuously for three weeks proved effective in eradication of the organism, evidenced by rebiopsy in 18 cases came for follow up. A negative test after antibiotic therapy correlates with clearance of the bacteria and healing of active gastritis. The CLO test is an advance for those requiring a fast accurate method of diagnosis of Campylobacter pyloridis infection, and also used to monitor therapy of gastritis with antibacterial agents. The ability of Campylobacter pyloridis to digest urea and produce ammonia in the stomach is a metabolic disorder of particular relevance to patients with renal or hepatic disease which need further investigation