Helicobacter pylori (stool)

General Information

Helicobacter pylori (Helicobacter pylori) Is a gram-negative, spiral bacterium that lodges in the crypts of the gastric mucosa.

Infection with Helicobacter pylori is a major cause of chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer; Recent epidemiological studies have also confirmed the association of persistent infection with an increased risk of gastric cancer. In addition, this bacterium is responsible for most cases of MALT lymphomas (forms of hematologic neoplasms characterized by the proliferation of cells in the lymphoid tissue associated with the digestive mucosa).

The main reservoir of infection are carriers of H. pylori, and interpersonal contact is the most important route of transmission, mainly in early childhood. Another mode of transmission may be, for example, in developing countries - water.

The infection is often asymptomatic. However, when accompanied by clinical manifestations, patients usually experience dyspeptic symptoms: discomfort and pain in the abdomen, nausea, burning sensation, regurgitation, and a feeling of fullness after eating.

Helicobacter pylori testing is used to detect bacteria in the digestive tract, monitor infection, and monitor treatment.

There are several different types of tests, one of which is the determination of Helicobacter pylori antigen in the stool.

When should we take the test?

The test is done when you have the following signs and symptoms related to the digestive tract:

• Abdominal pain;
• Unexplained weight loss;
• Digestive problems;
• Feeling of fullness or bloating;
• Nausea;
• Heartburn, etc.

Some people may have more serious signs and symptoms that require urgent medical attention, including acute, sudden, persistent stomach pain; Bloody or black stools; Bloody vomit or vomiting that resembles coffee grounds.

An examination may also be scheduled 4-6 weeks after the end of the course of treatment to confirm that the infection has been cured.

How to prepare for the test / material collection rule

Is a research material Feces.

No special preparation is required for the test. However, it may be necessary to refrain from treatment with antibiotics, antacids or bismuth preparations (if any) for 14 days before testing.

For research Feces Collection rules

• Before collecting feces for research, you must first purchase a special container.
• The stool sample is collected in a clean container.
• The sample should not be contaminated with urine or water (you should urinate before collecting feces).
• Samples are taken from the middle of the fecal mass with a spoon placed in a special container to collect fecal material. 1/3 or 10-15 g of stool volume is enough for analysis.
• The container should be delivered to the laboratory immediately.

Possible interpretation of the results

Of the test Positive result (Helicobacter pylori antigen is indicated in the stool) Indicates that your signs and symptoms are most likely caused by a peptic ulcer caused by this bacterium.

Of the test Negative result (Helicobacter pylori antigen is not indicated in the stool) means that you are less likely to have H. pylori infection and your signs and symptoms may be caused by another cause. If symptoms persist, additional tests may be performed, including a more invasive one - a tissue biopsy to rule out infection.