The High Sensitivity and Specificity of Rapid Urease Test in Diagnosis of Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Moroccan Children

Background and objectives: infesting nearly 50% of the world's population, helicobacter pylori are thought to cause peptic ulcers, as well as gastric adenocarcinoma. several diagnostic methods are available to detect this bacterium; however, at least two must be used together for an accurate diagnosis. this study evaluated the use of rapid urease test for diagnosis of h. pylori infection in a pediatric population. materials and methods: five gastric biopsies were taken from children during a 2-year period for the purpose of histological, molecular, bacteriological culture, and rapid urease testing. results: among 83 children, 38 were male, and 45 were female with an age ranging of 2 to 15 years. the infected group represented 31%. the rapid urease test had a sensitivity of 88.5%, a negative predictive value of 94%, a specificity of 84.2%, and a positive predictive value of 72%. conclusion: a rapid urease test may be appropriate for ruling out h. pylori infection after a negative result. the positive results however, may be confirmed by a second invasive test.