Chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease are often accompanied by infection with Helicobacter pylori. This small curved to spiral rod-shaped bacterium is found in the surface epithelial mucus of most patients with active gastritis. The rod-shaped bacteria are seen here with a methylene blue stain.

Question: What are additional diagnostic methods for H. pylori?

Answer In addition to microscopy of biopsies, laboratory tests include serologic detection of antibody, urea breath test, and microbiologic culture.