There is an interesting article in Human Pathology Vol. 25, No. 3 (March 1994) on the 'Genta' stain which combines three of the standard stains for H pylori and gives an evaluation of the sensitivity of the stains. It's time consuming but the results are easier on the eye. If you can't get this issue send me your fax no. and I'll fax you a copy.
Dave 

>>> <RSRICHMOND@aol.com> 08/06 10:47 PM >>>
I agree with Bill Sinai, the Department Manager of Tissue Pathology at ICPMR 
Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia that keeping the 
Helicobacter pylori stain as simple as possible is highly to be desired.

I'm aware of no publications comparing the sensitivity of very simple methods 
like Diff-Quik II and toluidine blue with more complex silver stains and IHC, 
and I suspect the sensitivity of a simple stain, examined with a good 
microscope with a functioning oil lens, cannot be much improved on.

I have the Diff-Quik II method written up in NCCLS format with references at
http://members.aol.com/RSRICHMOND/histology.html 

Bob Richmond
Samurai Pathologist
Knoxville, Tennessee USA