Rapid identification of pyloric Campylobacter in Peruvians with gastritis. The Gastrointestinal Physiology Working Group

Abstract

Pyloric Campylobacter have been reported to colonize the gastric mucosa of many persons, especially in association with gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. These reports have, so far, come from countries in the developed world. We report that pyloric Campylobacter appear to be equally common in persons from a developing country (Peru) who have gastritis. Our examination of the histopathology associated with these organisms suggests that mucin depletion is associated with active colonization. Two simple diagnostic methods have been found which compare favorably to silver staining of biopsy material and which appear to have value in the rapid and facile identification of these organisms: hematoxylin-eosin staining of biopsies and Gram staining of cytology specimens obtained by brushing the gastric mucosa.