dc.description.abstract | Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been associated with gastritis,
peptic ulcer, and gastric malignancy. Invasive and noninvasive tests have been
developed for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection. Since H. pylori infection is mostly
acquired in childhood and adolescence, accurate diagnosis of the infection in the
pediatric population is important. The noninvasive diagnostic methods are particularly
feasible in children. We conducted a study to compare the invasive tests: culture,
biopsy urease test (BUT), histology, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on gastric
biopsy specimens, with noninvasive tests: serology, 13C-urea breath test (13C-UBT),
and a new diagnostic modality: stool antigen test to diagnose H. pylori infection in
children. A total of 53 symptomatic children were enrolled into this study and all had
completed the seven diagnostic tests for H. pylori. Our results showed all the
diagnostic tests except serology were excellent methods of diagnosing H. pylori
infection in children. The diagnostic accuracy of the seven tests were as follows: stool
antigen test 96.2%; BUT 96.2%; histology 98.1%; PCR 94.3%; culture 98.1%; 13CUBT
100%; and serology 84.9%. Stool antigen test, being highly sensitive and
specific as shown in our data, will be potentially very helpful in diagnosing H. pylori
infection in children. | en |