Comparison of four stains and a urease test for rapid detection of Helicobacter pylori in gastric biopsies.

Gastric biopsies were obtained from 125 subjects to compare detection of Helicobacter pylori by culture, a rapid urease test and histopathologic examination using haematoxylin-eosin, Gram, Giemsa, Warthin-Starry silver and acridine orange stains. Helicobacter pylori was isolated from 39 specimens. Acridine orange and Giemsa were the most sensitive stains, detecting 85% and 79% of positive specimens respectively. All stains showed high specificity (97-100%). The sensitivity and specificity of the rapid urease test was 62% and 100% respectively. These stains or the rapid urease test may be useful for rapid detection of Helicobacter pylori in gastric biopsies.