Detection of Helicobacter pylori Through Histochemistry & Immunofluorescent Staining in Biopsies of Patients with Chronic Gastritis

Abstract

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) is a helix shaped gram negative rod which is usually associated with chronic gastritis and also a major cause of other gastroduodenal diseases as well.

Aims & Objectives: The present study used histochemical and immunofluorescent stains on formalin fixed paraffin embedded human gastric biopsies for detection of H.pylori. Comparison was also done to evaluate best staining method.

Place and duration of study: This study was accomplished in about one year. Sampling of gastric biopsies and rapid urease test were executed at the endoscopy suite of Lahore General Hospital whereas the histopathological examination and immunofluorescent staining were done in University of Health Sciences, Lahore.

Material & Methods: Thirty patients (n=30cases) were included in the study following inclusion criteria. Diagnostic upper GI endoscopy was carried out in all cases. Five gastric biopsies were taken from each patient/case (total N=150 Biopsies) according to the Updated Sydney System. Rapid urease test was performed at the site of endoscopy. Biopsies fixed in 10% formalin were brought to the concerned department where they were assigned a specific laboratory number then processed and stained.           

Results: Endoscopic examination revealed chronic gastritis and rapid urease tests were positive. All cases (n=30) were positive for H.pylori on histopathology. The calculated sensitivity and specificity of H&E, Giemsa, Modified McMullen’s stain and Immunofluorescent method in present study were 71% and 100%,83% and 100%, 82% and 100%, 90% and 100% respectively.

Conclusion: Special stains makes H.pylori identification easier in tissue sections. However, immunofluorescent test is the most sensitive and specific method as compared to histochemical stains.