Use of direct Gram stain of stomach biopsy as a rapid screening method for detection of Helicobacter pylori from peptic ulcer and gastritis patients.

Four hundred and thirty five stomach mucosal biopsies were taken from 145 consecutive patients (3 from each patient) during investigations for dyspepsia in three hospitals in Western Nigeria. The aim was to determine the best suited rapid screening method to aid fast diagnosis of ulcer/gastritis in this environment, using Gram stain, CLO test kit (urease production test) and culture methods. Eighty-nine (61.4%) biopsies were positive using Gram stain, 61 (42.1%) using CLO test kit and only 28 (19.3%) using culture. Based on the various limitations of CLO test kits and culture methods, Gram stain was adjudged the best suited rapid method. The clinical implication of this finding is discussed.