Application of Real-Time PCR Stool Assay for Helicobacter pylori Detection and Clarithromycin Susceptibility Testing in Brazilian Children

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori ClariRes assay is a novel commercially available real-time PCR assay allowing H. pylori detection and clarithromycin susceptibility testing in either gastric biopsy or stool specimens. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to validate the novel biprobe real-time assay in stool specimens from 217 dyspeptic children. METHODS: DNA from gastric biopsies and stool specimens were obtained and submitted to the biprobe real time assay for H. pylori detection and clarithromycin susceptibility testing. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, and test accuracy were 69, 100 and 93.9% for the detection of H. pylori infection and 83.3, 100 and 95.6%, for detection of clarithromycin resistance. CONCLUSION: This assay proved to be appropriate for H. pylori clarithromycin susceptibility testing, particularly in children populations where a high prevalence of clarithromycin-resistant strains is suspected.