This test looks for IgG antibodies that develop in the body in response to infection with the bacteria Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori).
H Pylori is a bacteria commonly found in the stomach. It weakens the stomach's natural protective lining making it more susceptible to damage from gastric acid. This can lead to the development of ulcers and in time, increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.
What are symptoms of H Pylori?
Symptoms of H Pylori typically include heartburn, nausea, gas, stomach or abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, and indigestion.
How can you test for H Pylori?
Because blood antibodies can persist even after a person has been successfully treated, the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) recommends either an H Pylori Breath Test or H Pylori Stool Antigen Test for identifying an active infection.
Blood testing has a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 79% whereas Breath testing has a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 97.9% and Stool testing has a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 96%. Breath testing is also considered the most effective way of determining if treatment for H Pylori was effective.
A positive test result does not allow one to distinguish between active infection and colonization by H. pylori. A positive test only indicates the presence of IgG antibody to H. pylori and does not necessarily indicate that gastrointestinal disease is present.
A negative test indicates that IgG antibody to H. pylori is not present or is at a level that cannot be detected by the assay.
What are causes of an H. pylori infection?
H. pylori infection is generally caused by contaminated food or water. Living in a crowded place, having no reliable supply of clean water, crowded and unsanitary living conditions, or coming in contact with a person having H. pylori infection, can increase the risk of getting infected with H. pylori.
How can I prevent or avoid an H. pylori infection?
H. pylori infection is most common in countries where there is no access to clean and safe water and food, and sanitary living conditions. H. pylori infection cannot be prevented but certain precautions are recommended to minimize the risk of infections. These include washing hands after using the restroom, washing hands before meals, drinking clean and safe water, eating food that has been prepared in safe conditions, making living conditions sanitary, etc.
If a patient has ulcers, he/she is advised to quit smoking, drinking alcohol, or consuming spicy food as it can worsen the ulcer and prevent it from healing completely. Avoiding excess use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is also recommended to prevent the development of peptic ulcers. Some nutritionists suggest that consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and low in sugar, can help stop or reduce the progression of infection.
H. pylori, IgG Abs
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