Abstract: Provided is a non-invasive and prompt testing method, in which a mucus adhering onto the surface of a mucous membrane is used as a specimen. A method for collecting a specimen by wiping out a mucus adhering onto the surface of a mucous membrane, when the specimen is collected during an endoscopic examination.

Abstract: A method of judging the eradication of H. pylori to judge whether the sample is positive or negative through a quick and easily operation is provided. A PG I value and a PG II value in the body fluids (e.g., in the blood) of an H. pylori positive patient are measured before the H. pylori eradicating treatment and after the passage of a period in which a substantially significant result occurs from the eradicating treatment, a PG I/PG II ratio in the body fluids (e.g., in the blood) is found, a rate of change in the PG I/PG II ratio in the body fluids (e.g., in the blood) is found before the H. pylori eradicating treatment and after the passage of the period in which a substantially significant result occurs from the eradicating treatment, and the change in the PG I/PG II ratio is used as a marker to indicate that H. pylori is eradicated.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising an amount of a polypeptide of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen or an acyl group, R.sup.2 is hydroxy or an acyloxy group, R.sup.3 is hydrogen, hydroxy or hydroxysulfonyloxy, R.sup.4 is hydrogen or carbamoyl, and R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are each hydrogen or hydroxy, with the proviso that (i) R.sup.2 is acyloxy when R.sup.3 is hydrogen, and (ii) R.sup.5 is hydrogen when R.sup.6 is hydrogen, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, is useful in the prevention or treatment of Pneumocystis carinii infection.