Helicobacter pylori in a group of endoscopically examined patients in the county of Medimurje.

The presence of Helicobacter pylori was investigated in 50 patients, mean age 54 years and age range 28-56 years. Gastroduodenoscopy and biopsy of the antral and/or pyloric part of gastric mucous membrane were performed in all study patients. Bioptic tissue was examined by culture and histologic staining, and tested by a rapid urease test. According to overall results, the urease test was most sensitive, i.e. positive in 23 (45%) patients, whereas histological staining was positive in 14 (29) patients. Endoscopic diagnosis revealed the following: duodenal ulcer--histologic stain 3/5 (55%), urease test 9/21 (43%); gastric erosion--histologic stain 4/13 (31%), urease test 7/13 (55%); gastroduodenitis--histologic stain and urease test 2/4 (50%). According to endoscopy, positive pyloriset test (Orion Diagnostica) was found as follows: duodenal ulcer 5/7 (71%), gastric ulcer 8/10 (80%), gastric erosion 10/12 (83%) and gastroduodenitis 5/7 (71%). The authors recommend the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori as a routine approach in gastroenterological routine.