The objective of this study was to compare histology and microbiology (direct method, urease test, culture) for the detection of Helicobacter pylori in antral biopsies. Thirty-six patients, aged between 18 and 82, with a peptic ulcer (active or not), or gastritis or duodenitis were studied. Eighteen patients (50%) had a positive culture, 17 (47%) had a positive urease test, 16 (41%) had positive direct microbiology and 15 (42%) had positive histology. Correlation between histology and culture was 84%. This study confirms the good sensitivity of histology and the urease test for the detection of Helicobacter pylori. Combination of both methods could optimise detection of the organism.