Cytologic diagnosis of Campylobacter pylori-associated gastritis.

Forty-nine paired gastric brushings and biopsy specimens were reviewed to determine the cytologic presentation of Campylobacter pylori-associated gastritis. The bacterium was identified in ten routinely prepared cytologic specimens, seven of which were positive for C pylori by biopsy. C pylori could be readily distinguished from other bacteria and was accompanied by inflammation and reparative atypia of gastric epithelial cells. Gastric brushing cytology is an effective method of diagnosing C pylori-associated gastritis.