Comparing Stool Antigen And Urea Breath Tests For Helicobacter Pylori Diagnosis Post-Ppi Therapy: A Non-Invasive Approach
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Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection remains a common cause of gastrointestinal disorders, and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. Non-invasive diagnostic methods such as the urea breath test (UBT) and stool antigen test are widely used for detecting H. pylori. This study compares the performance of stool antigen tests with UBT, particularly after proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. A cohort of 56 patients, who were undergoing PPI treatment for conditions like ulcerative colitis or reflux esophagitis, was evaluated using both UBT and stool antigen tests. The results showed that stool antigen tests maintained high sensitivity and specificity even after PPI therapy, with minimal reduction in accuracy. In contrast, UBT demonstrated reduced sensitivity post-PPI treatment. The stool antigen test was found to be a simpler, faster, and more cost-effective alternative to UBT, particularly for patients with high daily activity levels, children, and elderly individuals. Despite a slight decrease in sensitivity after PPI administration, stool antigen tests proved to be a reliable option for H. pylori diagnosis when UBT is unavailable or difficult to perform. This study supports the integration of stool antigen tests into clinical practice and advocates for further research to optimize diagnostic strategies for H. pylori infection.
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References
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