Helicobacter pylori IgG ELISA

Helicobacter pylori is a 2.5-3 µm long twisted or helical gram-negative germ responsible for 80 90 % of B-gastritis cases and suspected to a major cofactor for the development of gastric and duodenal ulcers. The classical detection methods of Helicobacter pylori like culturing from mucous membrane biopsies or an urease test are only successful in case of a relative high germ count and require an identification directly after the biopsy. Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) is also used for the detection Helicobacter pylori infection. The colonisation of the gastric and duodenal mucous membranes with Helicobacter pylori can also be detected serologically using an enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) or by performing a Western Blot. Patients with confirmed exposition to Helicobacter pylori often show a positive serological result. Since antibodies persist for a longer time after a Helicobacter pylori infection seropositive individuals are also found in symptom-free patients. The number of seropositive values rises with age. Using the ELISA and the detection of IgA and IgG antibodies against specific proteins of Helicobacter pylori by Western Blotting it is possible to diagnose an acute infection with Helicobacter pylori, even if no germs can be found.