Comparative estimation of diagnostic tests for helicobacter pylori and the spectrum of gastric mucosal microflora in gastritis and ulcer disease

We estimated specificity and sensitivity of diagnostic tests for H. pylori (HP) infection in patients with gastroduodenal problems and studied species composition of gastric mucosal microflora in gastritis and ulcer disease. The following characteristics have been determined as the most informative signs of HP infection: HP fecal antigen, plasma total antibodies (IgG, IgA, IgM) against CagA, histological (cytological) findings confirming the presence of HP antigens in biopsies, rapid urease test, the presence of bent rods morphologically resembling HP in gastric mucosa biopsies cultured in the glycol medium for sterility control. The use of these signs (at least three) in combination ensures efficacious diagnostics of HP infection for the substantiation of its traditional therapy. The study of the spectrum and occurrence of gastric mucosal microflora revealed the predominance of Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Candida fungi, and HP in patients with gastritis and Streptococcus, HP and Candida in those with ulcer disease at a mean concentration of microbial cells 3.41 and 2.71 CF/gg respectively. Significant differences were documented only in the occurrence of HP and Candida.