The use of Helicobacter pylori stool antigen test for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Objectives: This study was carried out to screen the use of Helicobacter pylori stool antigen (HpSA) tests for diagnosis and monitoring of H pylori in Nigeria.

Methods: Seven hundred and forty participants were enrolled after informed consent was obtained, while 83 came back for a post-eradication test. The stool samples were taken from the patients at endoscopy and tested for HpSA.

Results: The proportion of patients that were positive at the pretest, 520 (70.3%) was significantly higher (Fisher's exact p = 0.001) than those positive at the post-test, 44 (53%). There was a significant difference (F = 4.106, p = 0.043) between the mean age of those that came for the pretest (40.0 +/- 14.5 years) and those that came for the post-test, 43.6 +/- 11.6 years. More males than females had the tendency to come back for a post-eradication test.

Conclusion: Although potential bias was introduced during this study, HpSA using monoclonal antibody could still be used for diagnosis and monitoring of H pylori in Nigeria.