Helicobacter pylori antigen

Determination of the Helicobacter pylori antigen in feces for primary diagnosis and for monitoring therapy.

Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral-shaped bacterium that can be found in the human stomach and duodenum. In order to survive in the extremely acidic environment of the stomach, H. bacteria Pylori produce ureases that metabolize urea into bicarbonate and ammonia. In particular, the strong corrosive effect of ammonia affects the gastric mucosa and can lead to serious damage to it.

In addition, possible gastritis in H.pylori infection can eventually lead to duodenal ulcer or stomach tumor, due to the continued immune response to infection.

Traditional diagnosis of H. infection Pylori requires invasive measures such as gastroscopy and biopsy, which are painful procedures for most patients. Alternatively, information about a possible H. infection. Pylori can be given a 13C urease breath test or H antibody measurement. Pylori in the blood serum. Serological test, however, is not suitable for subsequent examination due to the slow recovery of antibodies to H. Pylori after successful treatment (Cutler and oth., 1996).

Because infected individuals produce H. Pylori with stool, an active infection can be detected by detecting the H. Pylori antigen in the stool sample. Successful treatment can be confirmed by a negative test result no earlier than 6 to 8 weeks after completion of therapy (Costa and oth. 2001).

Indications for the determination of the antigen to H. Pylori:

Initial diagnosis of helicobacter pylori infection. For example, in the presence of gastritis or a stomach tumor
To monitor the results of therapy.

Advantages over other methods:

Non-invasive sample collection - simplicity and accessibility of the method for the patient
Cost-effective and reliable quality alternative to the "gold standards" of gastroscopy
Equivalent in sensitivity and specificity to the 13C urease breath test
Can be used independently of previous treatment