[Comparison between invasive tests for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infections]

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram negative bacteria that colonizes gastric epithelial cells. It has been associated with several gastric disease including chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer. Helicobacter pylori infection diagnosis can be done with invasive and non-invasive methods. In invasive methods an endoscopic gastric mucosa biopsy specimen is used. In our study we compare the sensitivity, specificity, costs and applicability of four invasive diagnostic tests: culture, urease ultra-rapid test, histology (Giemsa and Hematoxilineosin stain) and fuchsin stained mucosal slides. Urease test was the easiest, fastest diagnostic test, with sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 100%, being also the cheapest test. We concluded that it should be the test of choice for Helicobacter pylori infection diagnosis.