Determination of severity and localization Helicobacter pylori infection by use of /sup 14/C labeled urea

Urea labeled with /sup 14/C has been applied for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection by using urea breath test (UBT) and/or urea urine test (UUT). To find out localization and estimate severity of the H. pylori infection in the alimentary system a compartmental model has been elaborated. This model consists of 4 compartments (alimentary system, blood, lungs, and kidneys). Model parameters have been estimated with UBT and UUT carried out on selected groups of patients. Theoretical results were obtained by fitting the model parameters to experimental data. The parameters are transfer rate coefficients of /sup 14/C tracer between compartments and, first of all, the fraction of H. pylori infection, the very base for the diagnosis.