Stool Tests for Helicobacter pylori Infection

Three stool assays using monoclonal antibodies to detect Helicobacter pylori antigens had sensitivities of 69%–92% and specificities of 76%–90% compared with gold standard.

Helicobacter pylori infection is usually diagnosed by histopathology, a rapid urease test, a urea breath test, or some combination thereof. Recently, fecal antigen tests have been developed. Initially, these used polyclonal antibodies to detect H. pylori antigens, which led to test variability. However, three new tests that use monoclonal antibodies are now available. Two are chromatographic and rely on an observer seeing a line; the third is an enzyme immunoassay that yields a specific value.

In a recent study involving 199 patients in Barcelona, Spain, with dyspepsia, researchers assessed the sensitivity and specificity of two chromatographic tests — the ImmunoCard STAT! HpSA (STAT) and the RAPID Hp StAR (RAPID) — and the Amplified IDEIA H…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Stool Tests for Helicobacter pylori Infection

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Reviewing Author