Rapid Communication
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World J Gastroenterol. Sep 7, 2007; 13(33): 4484-4488
Published online Sep 7, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i33.4484
Diagnostic accuracy of a rapid fecal test to confirm H pylori eradication after therapy: Prospective comparison with a laboratory stool test
Lucio Trevisani, Viviana Cifalà, Nadia Fusetti, Giuseppe Gilli, Paola Tombesi, Marco Torchiaro, Sergio Boccia, Vincenzo Abbasciano
Lucio Trevisani, Viviana Cifalà, Nadia Fusetti, Paola Tombesi, Marco Torchiaro, Sergio Boccia, Vincenzo Abbasciano, Digestive Endoscopy Centre, Medical Department, S Anna Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
Giuseppe Gilli, Health Physics Department, S Anna Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Dr. Lucio Trevisani, Centro di Endoscopia Digestiva, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria “Arcispedale S. Anna”, C.so Giovecca 203, Ferrara 44100, Italy. tvl@unife.it
Telephone: +39-532-237558 Fax: +39-532-236932
Received: April 3, 2007
Revised: June 1, 2007
Accepted: June 4, 2007
Published online: September 7, 2007
Abstract

AIM: To investigate the clinical performances of rapid stool test (ImmunoCard STAT HpSA, Meridian Diagnostic Inc.) in the evaluation of eradication therapy of H pylori and to compare it with a well-known and validated laboratory stool test (Amplified IDEA Hp StAR, Dako).

METHODS: Stool samples of 122 patients were evaluated after eradication therapy of H pylori. H pylori status was assessed by 13C-urea breath test (UBT). Stool specimens were tested using either the rapid immunoassay kit or the laboratory immunoassay kit.

RESULTS: Forty-three patients were infected and 79 non-infected. Sensitivity and specificity of ImmunoCard STAT and Hp StAR were 58.14% and 76.4%, and 97.47% and 98.73%, respectively (P > 0.05). Overall agreement between the two tests was 92.6% (113 of 122 cases).

CONCLUSION: ImmunoCard STAT seems to have rather low performances, and it cannot be regarded as a reliable tool in the post-treatment setting. Also Hp StAR cannot be recommended to confirm H pylori eradication after treatment.

Keywords: H pylori, Diagnosis, Feces