Investigation of H Pylori Colonization in Adenotonsillectomy Specimens by Means of Rapid Urease (CLO) Test

This prospective clinical study was performed to investigate the colonization of H pylori in adenoid and tonsil tissues by using the Campylobacter-like organism (CLO) test. Included in the study were 56 patients aged 3 to 43 yrs who had undergone adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy procedures under general anesthesia. Two-mm diameter tissue pieces of adenoid and tonsil specimens were placed in urease solution. Color changes were noted after 30 min and 24 hrs. 27 (48.2%) of the patients were shown to be H pylori positive and 29 (51.8%) were negative, regardless of the type of specimen. There was a high rate of H pylori colonization in tonsil and adenoid tissues. The cause of recurrent H pylori infections of the gastric mucosa may be the result of colonization in the adenotonsillar tissues. Prevention of H pylori colonization may reduce the recurrences of the disease.