Comparison of Histopathology and Serological Testing for Helicobacter pylori Infection in Paediatric Dyspeptic Patients

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection remains a major health problem in developing countries because of its high prevalence. H. pylori colonizes the stomach of children and causes local inflammation. Accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure appropriate treatment and reduce the risk of long-term complications. In Libya, limited data are available regarding H. pylori diagnostic methods. The Objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of invasive and non-invasive methods for detecting H. pylori infection among pediatric dyspeptic patients (histopathology method and serology method). A gastric biopsy and a blood sample were collected from 120 dyspeptic children attending the gastroenterology units at Tripoli Children's Hospital. The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 84% using the invasive method, and 51% using the non-invasive method. The histopathology-based diagnostic method is the gold standard diagnostic tool for H. pylori detection. However, additional research with a higher number of patients and in other areas of Libya should be conducted in the future to confirm the study's findings.