Comparison of four second generation kits for detection of IgG antibodies against Helicobacter pylori in adults.

Four serological kits for detection of IgG antibodies against H. pylori were tested on 132 adult patients with dyspeptic symptoms. Presence of H. pylori infection was established when either culture or microscopy of gastric biopsies were positive. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was 55% in the test population. With Anti-H. pylori MTP-assay (Roche), Pylori stat test kit (Whittaker), HM-CAP (Enteric Products Inc.) and Pyloriset EIA-G (Orion) the sensitivities were 97%, 95%, 81% and 68% respectively, the specificities were 53%, 56%, 71% and 69% respectively, the positive predictive values 72%, 74%, 79% and 74% respectively and the negative predictive values were 94%, 92%, 79% and 64% respectively.