The Application of Giemsa Staining in Identifying Helicobacter pylori in Oral Biopsies: A Comparative Study with...

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a significant pathogen in gastrointestinal diseases, has been implicated in various oral pathologies. Accurate detection of H. pylori in oral biopsies is crucial for understanding its role in oral diseases.

A total of 100 oral biopsy samples were collected from patients presenting with suspected oral lesions. The samples were subjected to Giemsa staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) using anti-H. pylori antibodies. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of Giemsa staining were assessed using IHC as the gold standard. Arbitrary values: Giemsa-positive cases were observed in 65% of samples, while IHC detected H. pylori in 70%. Statistical analysis was conducted using Chi-square tests and kappa agreement.

Giemsa staining exhibited a sensitivity of 85%, specificity of 90%, and an overall diagnostic accuracy of 88% when compared to IHC. There was substantial agreement (kappa = 0.76) between the two methods. While Giemsa staining was less expensive and quicker, IHC provided greater specificity, particularly in cases with low bacterial density.

Giemsa staining is a reliable, cost-effective method for detecting H. pylori in oral biopsy specimens. However, IHC remains the gold standard due to its higher specificity and ability to detect low-density infections. Combining both techniques may enhance diagnostic accuracy in clinical settings.