Diagnostic accuracy of tests for Helicobacter pylori in an Alaska Native population

摘要

AIM:To evaluate the accuracy of two non-invasivetests in a population of Alaska Native persons. Highrates of Helico bacter pylori(H. pylori) infection,H. pylori treatment failure,and gastric cancer in this population necessitate documentation of infection status atmultiple time points over a patient's life.METHODS:In 280 patients undergoing endoscopy,H. pylori was diagnosed by culture,histology,rapidurease test,13C urea breath test(UBT) ,and immuno-globulin G antibodies to H. pylori in serum. The performances of 13C-UBT and antibody test were compared to a gold standard defined by a positive H. pylori testby culture or,in case of a negative culture result,bypositive histology and a positive rapid urease test.RESULTS:The sensitivity and specificity of the 13C-UBT were 93% and 88%,respectively,relative to thegold standard. The antibody test had an equivalents ensitivity of 93% with a reduced specificity of 68%.The false positive results for the antibody test were as-sociated with previous treatment for an H. pylori infection [relative risk(RR) = 2.8]. High levels of antibodiesto H. pylori were associated with chronic gastritis and male gender,while high scores in the 13C-UBT testwere associated with older age and with the H. pyloribacteria load on histological examination(RR = 4.4) .CONCLUSION:The 13C-UBT out performed the anti-body test for H. pylori and could be used when a non-invasive test is clinically necessary to document treatment out come or when monitoring for reinfection.