Helicobacter pylori, direct detection

Clinical significance
Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative bacterium whose habitat is the human stomach. Most people carry it and live in balance with the microorganism. In some cases the microorganism produces chemicals that damage cells, causing gastritis (of which Helicobacter is the main cause), which often leads to stomach and/or duodenal ulcers. The association of the microorganism with precancerous and cancerous lesions such as stomach cancer and gastric lymphoma is very strong.
Testing for bacterial antigens in the stools is a valid tool for diagnosing infection.
This non-invasive test is carried out on a stool sample using a highly sensitive and specific enzyme immunoassay and is particularly suitable for children, elderly people and people who have had part of their stomach removed. Depending on the case, the diagnosis may lead to treatment or to referral for a specialist endoscopy. It is particularly useful for monitoring treatment, since the test can be done as early as 3 weeks after finishing the medicines.