Rapid detection of helicobacter pylori by endoscopic brush cytology and comparison with histopathology.

OBJECTIVES The main objective of this study was to assess antral brush cytology as an alternate approach for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection as compared to histopathology. METHODS 75 cases with diagnosis of antral gastritis underwent endoscopic antral biopsy as well as antral brushing cytology was included irrespective of age and sex. Cytological slides were stained with Giemsa stain & biopsy slides were stained with H&E and Giemsa stain. Correlation was done between cytological smear slides and biopsy slides. RESULTS Among 75 cases, H. pylori were positive in 55 (73.4%) cases of biopsy specimens while in brush cytology it was positive in 48 (64%) cases. In 45 (60%) of 75 cases, H. pylori was seen in both biopsy and brush cytology. CONCLUSION Endoscopic brush cytology provides an accurate, inexpensive and easy technique in the rapid detection of H.pylori infection.