Comparison between helicobacter pylori fecal antigen detection and endoscopic gastric biopsy in diagnosis of H. pylori infection in 50 adult cases

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of fecal antigen detection test with gastric biopsy via upper gi endoscopy for H pylori. DESIGN: Comparative, observational, non- randomized.&PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDYS: Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman. February 2005 -February 2006. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty patients with epigastric pain and heart burn were subjected to upper gi endoscopy and gastric biopsy for H. pylori and at the same time stool was sent for fecal antigen detection for H. pylori. RESULTS: Out of 30 females, 12 had biopsy proven H. pylori while 5 had positive fecal antigen test. In 20 male patients, 15 had positive biopsy while 12 had fecal antigen proven H. pylori. CONCLUSION: This study doesn't prove the effectiveness of fecal antigen detection test in comparison with upper gi endoscopy and biopsy, which is the gold standard test for H. pylori. Hence we cannot recommend the test to replace upper gi endoscopy and biopsy despite of the low cost and less trouble to the patient.