21/10/2025
H. pylori Test
1. Objective:
The objective of this test was to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection in the gastric mucosa, which is associated with gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancer.
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2. Principle:
The test was based on the detection of H. pylori either by direct microscopic examination, culture, antigen/antibody detection, or urease activity. H. pylori produced urease enzyme that broke down urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide, increasing the pH and producing a color change in the test medium.
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3. Materials:
• Sterile gastric biopsy sample or stool sample
• Microscope slides and cover slips
• Gram stain reagents
• Sterile saline
• Urease test kit or CLO (Campylobacter-like organism) test kit
• Incubator
• Personal protective equipment (gloves, lab coat, mask)
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4. Procedure (Microscopic):
1. A small portion of the gastric biopsy sample was placed on a clean slide.
2. A drop of sterile saline was added and a smear was prepared.
3. The smear was air-dried and heat-fixed.
4. Gram staining was performed using crystal violet, iodine, decolorizer, and safranin.
5. The slide was examined under an oil immersion lens (100x objective).
6. Curved, spiral, Gram-negative bacilli consistent with H. pylori were observed.
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5. Result:
• Positive: Presence of small, curved, Gram-negative rods indicated H. pylori infection.
• Negative: No H. pylori organisms were seen under the microscope.
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6. Uses:
• It was used to diagnose H. pylori infection in patients with gastritis or peptic ulcer symptoms.
• It helped in deciding appropriate antibiotic therapy.
• It was also used to monitor eradication after treatment.
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7. Consultation:
If the test result was positive, the patient was advised to consult a gastroenterologist for further evaluation and treatment. Combination therapy with antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors was usually recommended to eradicate the infection