Diagnostic accuracy of reused Pronto Drytest and CLOtest in the detection of Helicobacter pylori infection

Evaluation of the Rapid Urease Test (RUT) Device for Rapid Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori in Middle-Aged and Elderly Taiwanese Patients

The rapid urease test (RUT) is a reliable method for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infections in endoscopy suites; however, there is a need for tests with enhanced sensitivity and faster results. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the new dry detection device test compared to the gel detection device and Pronto Dry RUT in detecting Helicobacter pylori infection among middle-aged and elderly Taiwanese individuals. A total of 100 participants with suspected Helicobacter pylori infection undergoing upper gastroscopy were prospectively enrolled. The dry detection device demonstrated a 99% concordance rate with the Pronto Dry RUT, with seven participants testing positive for Helicobacter pylori using both tests. In contrast, the gel detection device detected only six positive cases, highlighting the superior diagnostic sensitivity of the dry detection device. Additionally, the dry detection device produced significantly faster results than the gel detection device. These findings suggest that the dry detection device is a suitable and efficient RUT for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori in middle-aged and elderly patients. Further studies are warranted to explore its application in broader populations and clinical settings.

Recent Advances in Colorimetric Tests for the Detection of Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance

Diagnosis of infection-causing microorganisms with sensitive, rapid, selective and economical diagnostic tests is critical to start the right treatment. With these tests, the spread of infections can be prevented. In addition to that, the detection of antimicrobial resistance also makes a significant contribution to public health. In recent years, different types of diagnostic tests have been developed as alternatives to traditional diagnostic tests used in clinics. In particular, colorimetric tests, which minimize the need for an instrument, have advantages owing to their cost effectiveness, rapid response and naked-eye detection and practical use. In this review, we especially focused on pH indicators and nanomaterial-based colorimetric tests in detection of infection-causing microorganisms and antimicrobial resistance.

Diagnostic of Helicobacter pylori infection

There is progress in endoscopy techniques. While it is not yet possible to detect Helicobacter pylori directly in the stomach, it becomes easier to detect the mucosal changes induced by the bacteria. Some small changes can also increase the sensitivity of the invasive tests, for example culture or histology, but the wide use of proton-pump inhibitors has a negative impact on these tests. Only molecular methods are able to detect a limited load of bacteria, especially by using real-time PCR but also with new methods, for example dual-priming oligonucleotide-based PCR, loop-medicated isothermal amplification, droplet-digital PCR or a multiple genetic analysis system. Among the noninvasive tests, urea breath test remains a test of major interest, while there are attempts to develop an ammonia breath test and other nanosensor devices. A new antigen stool test, a chemoluminescence immunoassay using the LIAISON apparatus has also been tested for the first time with success. Despite its limitations, serology remains the most popular test to detect H. pylori antibodies. It also allows pepsinogen dosage which is of interest for detecting atrophy.