HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION IN GASTRIC BIOPSIES IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN SOUTHERN INDIA

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections are prevalent worldwide, affecting over half the global population. This study aims to investigate histopathological changes associated with H. pylori in gastric biopsies and to compare endoscopic and histopathological ndings. Aims and objectives: To study the morphological changes associated with H. pylori infection in gastric biopsies. To compare endoscopic ndings and histopathological ndings in cases of H pylori infections. To nd out the prevalence of H pylori infection in patients undergoing gastric biopsies. Materials and methods: A sample size of 380 was calculated based on a prevalence of H.pylori of 44.44% globally. A retrospective analysis of 420 gastric mucosal biopsies from a tertiary care hospital was conducted, covering 2012-2022. Endoscopic and histopathological ndings of gastric mucosal changes in H.pylori infection were compared, and the sensitivity and specicity of various ndings were assessed against histopathology. Result: Of the 420 cases, 43.10% (181) were positive for H. pylori. Signicant histopathological ndings included intestinal metaplasia, neutrophilic activity and low grade dysplasia. Signicant endoscopic changes included erythema, atrophy, and ulceration. The sensitivity and specicity of endoscopic ndings were found to be signicant for certain indicators like erythema and atrophy. Conclusion: The study ndings suggest that endoscopy must be combined by histopathological examination for accurately diagnosing H.pylori infection and related changes.