Helicobacter pylori | One hundred IgA

General Information

Helicobacter pylori Is a gram-negative, spiral bacterium that lodges in the crypts of the gastric mucosa.

Infection with Helicobacter pylori is a major cause of chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer; Recent epidemiological studies have also confirmed the association of persistent infection with an increased risk of gastric cancer.

In addition, this bacterium is responsible for most cases of MALT lymphomas (forms of hematologic neoplasms characterized by the proliferation of cells in the lymphoid tissue associated with the digestive mucosa).

The main reservoir of infection are carriers of H. pylori, and interpersonal contact is the most important route of transmission, mainly in early childhood. Another means of transmission may be, for example, in developing countries - water.

The infection is often asymptomatic. Accompanied by clinical manifestations, patients usually experience dyspeptic symptoms: discomfort and pain in the abdomen, nausea, burning sensation, regurgitation, feeling of fullness after eating.

Detection of IgG antibodies against H. pylori is a standard tool for investigating the epidemiology of infection. The test is useful for screening asymptomatic people in the families of patients with diseases associated with H. pylori infection.

Serological tests may also be helpful in determining the cause of type B chronic gastritis or gastric / duodenal ulcer.

When should we test for Helicobacter pylori antibodies?

If you have any of the following symptoms:

• Pain in the abdomen;
• Heartburn and burning;
• Change in defecation.

The most common cases when a study is prescribed:

• Suspicious ulcer;
• Suspicion of gastritis;
• Some types of cancer;
• Screening of family members;
• Screening for eradication therapy;
• Reflux esophagitis.

How to prepare for the test?

No special training is required.

Research material

Venous blood

Possible interpretation of results and diagnostic limitations

The test for Helicobacter pylori IgG antibodies is useful only in combination with the patient's clinical symptoms and other laboratory tests.

A positive result indicates either an ongoing infection or a history of infection. For this reason, the serological test does not show diagnostic accuracy in people who have already had an infection. Also, it is impossible to use the test to monitor the effectiveness of treatment because the antibodies can persist for up to 3 years after infection.

In patients with acute infection, there may be no noticeable level of IgG antibodies in the early stages of the disease.

There is no correlation between IgG antibody titer and severity of gastritis caused by Helicobacter pylori.

In patients with immunodeficiency, the results should be interpreted with caution.