Sensitivity Comparison Experiment of Four Testing Methods for Helicobacter pylori

  Objective  To measure with standard microbiology methods the sensitivity of 4 commonly used testing methods for Helicobacter pylori (Hp) and to conduct a comparative study of the correlations and differences across the 4 methods.

  Methods  With the Hp standard strain (SS1) as the reference, colony forming units (CFU) as the units of quantitative analysis for detection performance, and gradient dilution of SS1 suspension as the simulation sample, we measured the sensitivity of 4 Hp testing methods, including bacterial culture, rapid urease test, antigen test, and quantitative fluorescent PCR. CFU values at different concentrations corresponding to the 4 commonly used Hp testing methods were documented and the correlations and differences were analyzed accordingly.

  Results  The sensitivity of Hp bacterial culture, rapid urease test, antigen test and quantitative fluorescent PCR was 2.0×10 CFU/mL, 2.0×10⁵ CFU/mL, 2.0×10⁵ CFU/mL, and 2.0×10² CFU/mL, respectively.

  Conclusion  The testing turnover time and sensitivity of different laboratory methods for Hp testing varied significantly. The quantitative fluorescent PCR and bacterial culture both showed relatively high sensitivity, but bacterial culture has complicated operation procedures and is too time-consuming. The rapid urease test and antigen test both were simple and quick to perform, but showed low sensitivity. For clinical and laboratory testing of Hp, appropriate testing method that can identify the corresponding changes of Hp should be selected according to the actual testing purpose.