Detection of helicobacter pylori in nasal polyps using rapid urease test and ELISA

ntroduction: Nasal polyposis is an inflammatory condition of unknown etiology. Recently concerns regarding gastroesophageal reflux or helicobacter pylori as a possible pathologic cause of nasal polyps have been increasing. The present study was planned to investigate the presence of helicobacter pylori in nasal polyps. This case-control study was undertaken enrolling 37 patients with nasal polyps who had undergone nasal endoscopic sinus surgery and 38 control subjects. Biopsy specimens of nasal polyps and inferior turbinates were assessed by rapid urease test. Blood samples of both study and control subjects were evaluated for anti H.pylori IgG by ELISA. H. pylori status was regarded positive, if both tests were positive. Seropositivity was more common in the patients with nasal polyps (66.2%) than control subjects (36.8%) (P<0.001). Rapid urease test was positive in 9 patients with nasal polyps, but was not positive in control group (P<0.01). Only 3 patients with nasal polyps were positive for both rapid urease test and ELISA. Polypoid tissue can be colonized by some bacteria with urease activity other than helicobacter pylori, causing false positive results in rapid urease test. So, other diagnostic tests with more sensitivity and specificity are recommended.