Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of fecal antigen detection test with gastric biopsy via
upper GI endoscopy for H pylori.
DESIGN: Comparative, observational, non- randomized.
PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman. February 2005 -
February 2006.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty patients with epigastric pain and heart burn were subjected to
upper GI endoscopy and gastric biopsy for H. pylori and at the same time stool was sent for fecal
antigen detection for H. pylori.
RESULTS: Out of 30 females, 12 had biopsy proven H. pylori while 5 had positive fecal antigen
test.
In 20 male patients, 15 had positive biopsy while 12 had fecal antigen proven H. pylori.
CONCLUSION: This study doesn’t prove the effectiveness of fecal antigen detection test in
comparison with upper GI endoscopy and biopsy, which is the gold standard test for H. pylori.
Hence we cannot recommend the test to replace upper GI endoscopy and biopsy despite of the
low cost and less trouble to the patient.

Key words: H. pylori, Endoscopy, Fecal Antigen Detection Test, Epigastric pain, Heart burn.