[Isolation of Helicobacter pylori: necessity of control of transport conditions].

The aim of the study was the influence of transport conditions of antrum biopsies on the diagnostis of Helicobacter pylori infection by mean of bacteriological methods. We compare bacteriological to anatomopathological methods of Helicobacter pylori infection during two periods which differed by the transport conditions for antrum biopsies. During the first period (P1), 57 specimens were carried to the laboratory at room temperature and physiological serum immersion was inconstant. During the second period (P2), 56 specimens were all correctly immerged into 5 ml of physiological serum, in a 15 mm diameter tube which was vertically maintained in ice. Anatomopathological methods were considered as the reference method for the diagnostic of Helicobacter pylori infection. The sensibility of bacteriological culture was increased from 59% (P1) to 84% (P2) (p < 0.05) when specificity was unchanged. Furthermore sensibility of bacteriological direct examination was increased from 41% (P1) to 61% (P2). Complete biopsy immersion and ice transport of samples appear as necessary conditions for the optimal diagnostic of Helicobacter infections by mean of bacteriological methods.