[Failure of rapid serology for Helicobacter pylori as diagnostic method in primary care consultation].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the validity of a rapid serology test for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection in our area.


METHODS
Longitudinal, prospective study.


METHODS
Urban primary care centre.


METHODS
As reference tests for defining the presence/absence of Helicobacter pylori, histology and the urease gastric mucous membrane test (Jatrox(R) test) were used. Both tests can be either positive or negative, without intermediate values.


RESULTS
47 consecutive patients were included. Histology (confirmed with the urease test) showed infection in 38 cases (80.85% prevalence). The results of rapid serology (95% CI) were: sensitivity 0.66 (0.51-0.81), specificity 1 (1-1), positive predictive value 1 (1-1), and negative predictive value 0.41 (0.2-0-61).


CONCLUSIONS
In a population with high prevalence of infection, a positive in the rapid serology test confirms infection. However, a negative does not discount infection, which significantly reduces the test's overall diagnostic value. This confirms in the primary care context the findings of hospital-based studies.
Valle
L M
LM
Centro de Salud Actur Sur, Hospital Miguel Servet, Zaragoza.
Valdepérez
J
J
Tirado
M
M
Verduras
D
D
Yus
C
C
Gomollón
F
F
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012698:Serologic Tests / Q000592:standards; D013997:Time Factors