COMPARISON OF HELICOBACTER.PYLORI DIAGNOSTIC TESTS IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, MARDAN

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative, spiral-shaped, flagellated, microaerophilic bacterium that selectively colonizes the human stomach. H. pylori is the primary cause of gastritis, which is a risk factor for stomach cancer and plays a significant role in the development of peptic ulcers. Our study compared the two diagnostic methods the stool antigen test and the blood antibody test for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection. First, we analyzed the prevalence of H. pylori at Mardan Medical Complex (MMC). To compare diagnostic tests, we determined the sensitivity and specificity considering stool antigen as a gold standard. The estimated prevalence of H. pylori in the tested population of Mardan was 31.48%. The blood antibody test demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 81.08% specificity. Patients infected with H. pylori experienced symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating. Patients drinking tap water instead of boiled water and using outdoor toilets are more likely to get H. pylori infection, suggesting transmission through contaminated water.