Hyderabad AIG Hospitals introduces PYtest, India’s first validated breath test for H. pylori

Hyderabad: AIG Hospitals in the city on Wednesday announced the introduction of PYtest®, a non-invasive, quick and highly accurate diagnostic test for detecting active Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.

Developed by Prof. Barry Marshall, Nobel Laureate and discoverer of H. pylori, PYtest represents a significant advancement in gastrointestinal diagnostics and will be available in India for the first time through AIG Hospitals, the hospital said in a statement.

Speaking on this development, Dr D Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman, AIG Hospitals, said, “At AIG, we have always believed in combining clinical excellence with innovation. The introduction of PYtest®, developed by Prof. Barry Marshall himself, marks a milestone for gastrointestinal healthcare in India. This test eliminates the fear and hesitation associated with invasive procedures and brings us one step closer to early detection and prevention of serious gastric diseases.”

What is the test about?

PYtest is a Urea [14C] Breath Test that provides both qualitative and quantitative results, allowing physicians not only to confirm infection but also to assess the degree of bacterial activity.

Unlike conventional methods such as endoscopy and biopsy-based Rapid Urease Tests, PYtest® requires no invasive procedures, no anaesthesia, and offers results within minutes, making it safer and more comfortable for patients.

The test has been clinically validated on Indian patients through a Phase 3 study and demonstrated a sensitivity of 93.8 per cent and specificity of 97.8 per cent, with no serious adverse events reported, confirming the accuracy and safety of PYtest in the Indian population.

What does Helicobacter pylori cause?

Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common bacterial infections in India, linked to chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, gastric cancer and MALT lymphoma. Despite its high prevalence, diagnosis often depends on invasive endoscopy-based tests, leading to delayed or missed detection.

By offering a simple breath-based test, PYtest® enables early diagnosis and treatment, potentially reducing complications and improving long-term outcomes.

Strategic collaboration

The introduction of PYtest® in India is part of a strategic collaboration between Prof. Barry Marshall and AIG Hospitals to further research on H. pylori in the Indian population.

To advance this mission, AIG Hospitals has also established the Prof. Barry Marshall H. pylori Research Centre, dedicated to studying bacterial pathogenesis, antibiotic resistance patterns and innovative diagnostic tools tailored for Indian patients.

Efficacy of tests

A special clinical team consisting of expert gastroenterologists Dr Aniruddha Pratap Singh, Dr Krithi Krishna and Dr Rakesh Garlapati, under the supervision of Dr Rakesh Kalapala, has been constituted to implement this testing facility across AIG Hospitals’ both Gachibowli and Banjara Hills branches.

Dr Rakesh Kalapala, Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist and In-Charge of the GI Motility Centre at AIG Hospitals, added, “The Indian clinical trial demonstrated not just safety and accuracy, but also patient comfort and efficiency. In a country where millions live with undiagnosed gastric infections, PYtest® offers a transformative, accessible and evidence-based diagnostic option.”