investigation of h pylori colonization in adenotonsillectomy specimens by means of rapid urease (clo) test

this prospective clinical study was performed to investigate the colonization of h pylori in adenoid and tonsil tissues by using the campylobacter-like organism (clo) test. included in the study were 56 patients aged 3 to 43 yrs who had undergone adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy procedures under general anesthesia. two-mm diameter tissue pieces of adenoid and tonsil specimens were placed in urease solution. color changes were noted after 30 min and 24 hrs. 27 (48.2%) of the patients were shown to be h pylori positive and 29 (51.8%) were negative, regardless of the type of specimen. there was a high rate of h pylori colonization in tonsil and adenoid tissues. the cause of recurrent h pylori infections of the gastric mucosa may be the result of colonization in the adenotonsillar tissues. prevention of h pylori colonization may reduce the recurrences of the disease.