[Comparison of urease test (CLOtest) and histology in the diagnosis of Campylobacter pylori].

Campylobacter pylori has been implicated in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer, non-ulcer dyspepsia and chronic gastritis. C. pylori produces large amounts of urease which has been used as a biochemical support to identify the microorganism. In this study, we described the use of a rapid urease test (CLOtest) to detect C. pylori. In 46 consecutive patients, biopsy of fundus and antrum were obtained for histology and CLOtest. All specimens showed chronic gastritis. In 22 patients (48%) C. pylori was identified either by histology or CLOtest. In 18 patients (39%) CLOtest was positive and in 16 patients (35%) histology was positive. In 12 patients (26%) C. pylori was identified by both tests. There was no difference in relation to the presence of C. pylori in fundus and antrum. However, in 2 patients (4%) C. pylori was positive in fundus and negative in antrum. In 9 patients (20%) C. pylori was positive in antrum and negative in fundus. CLOtest is a simple, sensitive and rapid test that enables the endoscopist to diagnose C. pylori infection in the endoscopy room.