Enzyme immunoassay with antigens produced by recombinant techniques for the de­tection of IgG and IgA antibodies against Helicobacter pylori

The gram-negative, spiral-shaped bacterium Helicobacter pylori was described by Warren and Marschall in 1983. The connection between chronic Type B gastritis and Helicobacter pylori has been well studied. In fact, there is a causal relation between Helicobacter pylori and almost all duodenal and stomach ulcers. Moreover, Helicobacter pylori is associated with an increased risk of gastric adenocarcinomas. Apart from strains of different virulence, host factors may also be responsible for this phenomenon.

An infection with Helicobacter pylori induces a specific immune response. As a rule, antibodies of the classes IgG and IgA can be detected. Only small amounts of IgM antibodies are identified. Indeed, there is a decrease in the antibody concentration after successful eradication through combined antibiotic therapy.

The eradication of Helicobacter pylori cures not only gastritis or peptic ulcer, but also low-malignant gastric MALT lymphomas. Although peptic ulcers are also cured without eradication of Helicobacter pylori, there is a recurrence within one year in up to half of all the cases in the absence of permanent acid suppression treatment. The rate of recurrence is less than 5 % per year after successful microbial eradication.

Commercial product