Helicobacter pylori | IgA antibodies

General Information

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

Infection with Helicobacter pylori is the main 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.

Helicobacter pylori | IgA antibodies

Detection of IgA antibodies to Helicobacter pylori is a standard tool for investigating the epidemiology of infection. The test is useful for screening asymptomatic individuals 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.