[Evaluation of per-endoscopic cytology in the identification of Campylobacter pylori on gastric mucosa].

The presence of Campylobacter pylori on gastric mucosa was evaluated by touch cytology of gastric biopsies in a series of 100 patients. Results were compared to biopsy cultures. Of 43 culture-positive patients, cytology was positive in 37 (86 p. 100). Cytology was positive in 16 of 57 culture-negative patients, who had peptic ulcer and/or gastritis on biopsy, conditions widely associated with the presence of Campylobacter pylori. Cytologic examination, yielding quick results, is thus a sensitive diagnostic method for Campylobacter pylori. In addition, retrospective studies of previous specimens are possible: among 11 patients with a follow up of more than one year, three of the four Campylobacter pylori carriers subsequently developed an ulcer.