Abstract:
Objective: The study aimed to compare the usefulness of two staining methods for imprint cytology for diagnosis
of Helicobacter pylori infection. Gastric biopsy specimens (from dyspeptic patients attending routine upper gastrointestinal
endoscopy) were placed on glass slides to obtain imprints. The imprints were stained with Toluidine blue and
Giemsa stains separately and observed under ×400 magnification using a light microscope. Imprinted biopsies were
sectioned and stained with H & E stain and Giemsa stain for histological analysis. Diagnosis of H. pylori infection in
both imprint and histological sections were confirmed by a consultant pathologist. The sensitivity, specificity, positive
predictive value and negative predictive value of each stain were calculated and benchmarked against histological
diagnosis.
Results: Of the 55 dyspeptic patients enrolled in the study, 5 were positive for H. pylori by Toluidine blue stain and 4
by Giemsa stain. The sensitivity of Toluidine blue stain (57.1%) was higher than Giemsa stain (42.9%) while the specificity
of both stains was equal (97.9%). Giemsa stain gave a better discrimination for identification of H. pylori bacteria
among the mucosal background. Imprint cytology is a rapid, simple and cost effective diagnosis method that can
supplement histological diagnosis.
