Helicobacter pylori Serology
This is a serology technique to find the presence or absence of H. pylori infection in the stomach.
Your doctor will prescribe serological testing for evidence of H. pylori infection as part of the initial investigation of patients suspected of having one of the following conditions:
- An active peptic ulcer disease
- A history of peptic ulcer disease
- Atrophic gastritis/chronic gastritis
- Gastric adenocarcinoma
- MALT lymphoma
Test results are reported as positive, negative, or equivocal for the presence of IgG antibodies to H. pylori. However, diagnosis of infectious diseases should not be established based on a single test result but should be determined in conjunction with clinical findings and other diagnostic procedures.
The serum H. pylori antibody test has high sensitivity and specificity, and it is an excellent diagnostic screening tool (1)
The clinical utility of serologic testing in children and adults has been debated; moreover, it has not been established whether positive cutoff levels need to be adjusted for ages 4,5,8,13,19. (2)
- pylori infection can be prevented by adopting hygienic measures in food intake. Avoid smoking, alcohol, intake of Spicy and acidic foods, and prefer clean, home-cooked foods.
Treatment includes the use of antibiotics, Proton pump inhibitors, and antacids, etc.
Figure 1: steps for H. pylori investigation (3)
References:
- Raj, P., Thompson, J. F., & Pan, D. H. (2017). Helicobacter pylori serology testing is a useful diagnostic screening tool for symptomatic inner-city children. Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway: 1992), 106(3), 470–477. https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.13724
- She, R. C., Wilson, A. R., & Litwin, C. M. (2009). Evaluation of Helicobacter pylori Immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA, and IgM serologic testing compared to stool antigen testing. Clinical and vaccine immunology: CVI, 16(8), 1253–1255. https://doi.org/10.1128/CVI.00149-09