Blood test for Helicobacter pylori: indications, course of the study, interpretation of the results. Helicobacter pylori blood test: indicators of norm and pathology, decoding Analysis of at to Helicobacter pylori

Produced by the immune system in response to the long-term presence of bacteria in the body. IgG analysis is used as an auxiliary method in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Synonyms: helicobacter pylori antibody, IgG.

What is Helicobacter pylori?

The pathogenic microorganism (H. pylori) causes the following diseases:

• - inflammation of the gastric mucosa
• chronic duodenitis - inflammation of the duodenum 12
• (in 70% of cases) and duodenum (in 90% of cases)
• helicobacteriosis
• stomach cancer
• stomach lymphoma

Infected 70% of the population, every third!

The constant presence of bacteria in the stomach is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• pain in the stomach after eating or before eating
• occasional nausea and even vomiting
• feeling of heaviness in the stomach
• heartburn and sour taste in the mouth
• bad breath

These symptoms not only reduce the quality of life, make you take medication for a long time, but can also lead to stomach cancer!

Helicobacter pylori is able to "start" other diseases not associated with the stomach - the place of permanent residence of the bacterium. For example, - a heavy decrease in the number in .

Correct and timely diagnosis of a current H. pylori infection is essential!

Immunoglobulins and Helicobacter pylori

Immunoglobulins These are special blood proteins that can fight infection.

Immunoglobulins (they are also antibodies) are divided into several subspecies - IgG, IgM, IgA - depending on the time of appearance in the blood and the place of formation. So, the source of IgG is the lymph nodes and spleen, and IgA is the mucous membrane (oral cavity, stomach, intestines, etc.).

After entering the body of Helicobacter pylori, IgG antibodies in the blood will appear only after 3-4 weeks, but even after a cure, they can remain for a long time - months and years.

Since the antibody test is highly dependent on the reactivity of the immune system, only a negative IgG antibody test result against the bacterium will indicate the absence of infection—i.e. the body has never met with this microbe. But, alas, a positive one is neither an indicator of the current infection nor a cure.

Advantages

• analysis for IgG to Helicobacter pylori is not invasive - unlike a biopsy of the stomach
• available in many laboratories
• the result is not affected by medication (bismuth, proton pump blockers, antibiotics)

The analysis for immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin M to Helicobacter pylori has the same disadvantages as IgG.

The Helicobacter pylori antibody test should NOT be used to diagnose H. pylori infection, nor to monitor the success of treatment!

Method

• IgG in the blood to Helicobacter pylori is determined by enzyme immunoassay

Norm

• negative< 12,5 units/ml
• questionable 12.5-20.0 units/ml
• positive > 20.0 units/ml

The norm of IgG antibodies to Helicobacter pylori in the blood is not defined by international standards, therefore, it depends on the methods and reagents used in the laboratory. In the laboratory test form, the norm is written in the column - reference values.

Material

• blood serum - 1 ml
• storage conditions: up to 10 days at a temperature of 2-8 °C
• up to 10 days at a temperature of -20 °C

Blood sampling is carried out in a vacuum system without an anticoagulant or a coagulation activator. Whole blood should be delivered to the laboratory within 2 hours at 2-8°C.

Preparation for analysis

• Eliminate fatty foods the night before

Additional Research

Result interpretation

1. positive test result for IgG antibody to Helicobacter pylori

• current infection with Helicobacter pylori H. pylori
• infection eliminated
• period of gradual disappearance of antibodies

2. negative result

• no infection with Helicobacter pylori H. pylori
• seronegativity period - up to 3 weeks after infection
• infection eliminated

P.S. The article was written in accordance with the recommendations for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection - American Gastroenterology Association (AGA), the American College of Gastroenterologists (ACG), Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) / the American Society for Microbiology (ASM).

IgG antibodies to Helicobacter pylori was last modified: November 24th, 2017 by Maria Bodyan

Description

Method of determination immunoassay

Material under study Serum

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A marker confirming infection with Helicobacter pylori. These antibodies begin to be produced 3 to 4 weeks after infection. High titers of antibodies to H. pylori persist until and for some time after the eradication of the microorganism. features of the infection. Helicobacter pylori infection. H. pylori is one of the most widespread infections on earth today. H.pylori-associated diseases include chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum. Damage to the gastric mucosa is caused by direct damage to it by a microorganism, as well as secondary damage to the mucous membrane of the stomach, duodenum and cardial part of the esophagus under the influence of H. pylori aggression factors. Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative, spiral-shaped bacterium with flagella. The bacterial cell is surrounded by a layer of gel - glycocalyx, which protects it from the effects of hydrochloric acid of gastric juice. Helicobacter is sensitive to high temperatures, but persists for a long time in a humid environment.

Infection occurs by food, fecal-oral, household routes. H.pylori has the ability to colonize and persist in the gastric mucosa. Pathogenic factors include enzymes (urease, phospholipase, protease, and gamma-HT), flagella, cytotoxin A (VacA), hemolysin (RibA), heat shock proteins, and lipopolysaccharide. Bacterial phospholipase damages the membrane of epitheliocytes, the microorganism attaches to the surface of the epithelium and penetrates into the cells. Under the action of urease and other pathogenicity factors, the mucous membrane is damaged, inflammatory reactions and the formation of cytokines, oxygen radicals, and nitric oxide increase. The lipopolysaccharide antigen is structurally similar to blood group antigens (according to the Lewis system) and cells of the human gastric epithelium, as a result, the production of autoantibodies to the epithelium of the gastric mucosa and the development of atrophic autoimmune gastritis are possible. The surface location of urease allows you to escape the action of antibodies: the urease-antibody complex is immediately separated from the surface. Increased lipid peroxidation and an increase in the concentration of free radicals increases the likelihood of carcinogenesis. Insemination of the gastric mucosa with H. pylori is accompanied by the development of superficial antral gastritis and duodenitis, leading to an increase in the level of gastrin and a decrease in the production of somatostatin, followed by an increase in the secretion of hydrochloric acid. An excess amount of hydrochloric acid, getting into the lumen of the duodenum, leads to the progression of duodenitis and the development of gastric metaplasia, which creates conditions for the colonization of H. pylori.

In the future, especially in the presence of additional risk factors (hereditary predisposition, blood type I, smoking, taking ulcerogenic drugs, frequent stress, alimentary errors), an ulcerative defect is formed in the areas of the metaplastic mucosa.

In 1995, the International Association for the Study of Cancer (IARC) recognized H. pylori as an absolute carcinogen and identified it as the most important cause of malignant neoplasms of the stomach in humans (MALToma - Mucosa Associated Lymphoid Tissue lymphoma, adenocarcinoma). When conducting epidemiological studies revealed a more frequent H. pylori infection in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) than without them.

The factors responsible for the development of non-ulcer dyspepsia or GERD in H. pylori-infected patients are considered to be impaired gastric motility, secretion, increased visceral sensitivity and permeability of the mucosal cell barrier, as well as the release of cytokines as a result of its inflammatory changes. Eradication of H. pylori in patients with peptic ulcer allows discontinuation of antisecretory drugs.

Laboratory diagnosis of H. pylori is of particular importance in the following situations:

Indications for appointment

Peptic ulcer of the stomach and / or 12 duodenal ulcer.

Non-ulcer dyspepsia.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease.

atrophic gastritis.

Gastric cancer in close relatives.

For the first time detected Helicobacter infection in cohabiting persons or relatives.

Preventive screening to identify people at risk of developing stomach ulcers or cancer.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of eradication therapy.

Impossibility of invasive diagnostic methods (endoscopy).

Interpretation of results

The interpretation of test results contains information for the attending physician and is not a diagnosis. The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. An accurate diagnosis is made by the doctor, using both the results of this examination and the necessary information from other sources: history, results of other examinations, etc.

Units of measurement in the INVITRO laboratory: U/ml (semi-quantitative test, results above 8 U/ml will be reported as > 8 U/ml) Reference values:

For positive and negative results:

• 0.9 - 1.1 - doubtful;
• > 1.1 - positive;

• 0.9 - 1.1 - doubtful (Perhaps it is advisable to re-examine after 10-14 days);
• > 1.1 - positive.

Positively:

1. IgG - H. pylori infection (high risk of developing peptic ulcer or peptic ulcer; high risk of developing stomach cancer);
2. H. pylori infection cured: period of gradual disappearance of antibodies.

Negative:

1. IgG - no H. pylori infection detected (low risk of developing peptic ulcer, but peptic ulcer is not excluded);
2. First 3-4 weeks after infection.

Reference values: negative.

To choose the optimal therapy regimen, diagnostic methods are used based on the study of blood serum for the presence of the Helicobacter pylori bacterium. This determines the amount of antibodies to the causative agent of helicobacteriosis in the biomaterial of patients. The enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) deserves special attention. Depending on the test result, a conclusion is made about the presence of the disease, the degree of development and the effectiveness of the treatment used.

Indications for diagnostics

The colonization of the gastric mucosa with Helicobacter pylori bacteria is accompanied by the development of ulcerative lesions, carcinogenic tumors, chronic gastritis, manifestations of dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux and irritable bowel syndrome.

The bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) under an electron microscope

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay allows you to quickly identify bacterial colonization of the mucosa and correctly develop the optimal treatment regimen or further examinations.

Anti-Helicobacter pylori analysis is performed:

• for diagnostic purposes:

1. Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.
2. Ulcers of the esophagus.
3. Non-ulcer dyspepsia.
4. Esophagitis.
5. atrophic gastritis.
6. from close relatives.
7. Infection with helicobacteriosis of close relatives.

• during preventive examination to identify patients at risk;
• to assess the dynamics of treatment;
• with symptoms that raise suspicion of infection:

1. Rejection of protein food.
2. Heaviness in the stomach.
3. Frequent vomiting of unknown origin, nausea, persistent, belching.
4. Pain in the abdominal region (in the lower and upper abdomen), relieved after eating.
5. Unexplained weight loss.
6. Constipation and diarrhea.
7. Blood in vomit or feces.

What is a blood test to determine the level of antibodies

ELISA consists in the study of blood serum and the determination of antibody titers (concentrations), the presence of which is an indicator of human infection with Helicobacteriosis. They are formed in response to the introduction of genetically alien proteins, in this case, the microorganism Helicobacter pylori.

The formation of antibodies is part of natural defense mechanisms aimed at eliminating pathogens. If antibodies are found in the blood during the study, this means that the immune system has reacted to the presence of a harmful microorganism in the body.

More accurate data are obtained when conducting a study of the titers of three immunoglobulins A, M, G:

• IgG antibodies to Helicobacter pylori work as a marker confirming the presence of bacteria in the body. Immunoglobulins of this type are detected from the third to fourth week after infection. But high IgG titers are maintained for months after the pathogen has been eliminated;
• IgM antibodies are an indicator of early infection. They, like IgA, are found quite rarely. Their presence signals the beginning of an early infection and a pronounced inflammatory process on the mucosa.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of ELISA for the presence of Helicobacter pylori

The pluses include the following:

• high efficiency (more than 92%) of the study; IgG is detected in 95-100% of cases of infection with Helicobacter pylori, IgA - in 67-82%, IgM - in 18-20%;
• detection of the pathogen in the early stages of infection;
• the ability to track deviations from the norm and the dynamics of the disease by comparing immunoglobulin titers in different periods;
• availability of analysis.

An analysis for the concentration of antibodies is relevant if endoscopy is not planned.

An IgG test is used to detect primary infection in a patient with initial symptoms of digestive dysfunction. In this case, a high content of IgG gives reason to suspect the development of an active infection.

A positive test result in a patient (with or without symptoms) who has not previously received any treatment will also indicate infection with Helicobacteriosis.

Disadvantages of the method

ELISA is able to show an immune response to an infection, but not to diagnose the presence of the bacterium itself.

IgG antibodies are detected only 20-30 days after the introduction of Helicobacter pylori into the body, since the immune response works with some delay. This results in the following disadvantages of enzyme immunoassay:

1. The probability of a false negative test result in infected patients. This happens if the microbe first entered the body, but the defense system has not yet responded to the expansion of pathogens by producing antibodies.
2. False positive result in cured patients. Antibodies IgG remain present in the blood after the complete destruction of the microorganism and in the absence of gastric manifestations. This is especially true in the elderly. This means that the result of an ELISA for Helicobacter may be a reaction to a long-term cured infection.
3. The likelihood of a false positive result if antibiotic treatment was already performed before the analysis. Or antibacterial drugs that act against infection were used for other purposes. The concentration of IgG remains elevated for up to a year and a half in 50% of patients who have recovered from helicobacteriosis. Therefore, with a positive result of the analysis in a patient who has previously taken antibiotics, it is difficult to distinguish between the state of the infectious process in action and the infection is suppressed and weak, which requires additional research.
4. Small titers are found when certain cytostatic agents are used.
5. Difficulty in accurate differential diagnosis between passive colonization of the stomach cavity by H. pylori pathogens and acute disease. This is not possible without taking into account other data.

The shortcomings of the study are compensated by the total analysis of IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies.

With the development of helicobacteriosis, the concentration of IgG immunoglobulin in the blood serum depends on the level of disease activity and decreases after the elimination of the pathogenic bacterial environment. Unlike immunoglobulin type G, antibodies A and M are detected in the blood much earlier after infection. In addition, IgA can be detected in the gastric juice and saliva of a person infected with Helicobacteriosis, which is a symptom of infection of the highest degree of activity.

Preparing for the test

Preparation includes the following:

• on the eve of the ELISA study, it is forbidden to drink alcohol, fatty foods;
• exclude physical activity per day;
• it is necessary to donate blood before breakfast, in the morning it is allowed to drink water;
• the interval between the last meal and testing is at least 8-10 hours.
• the test should be taken before the start of the use of drugs (if possible) or not earlier than 8-14 days after the completion of therapy. If treatment is carried out, then the list of medications taken and doses are indicated in the direction for analysis.

Conducting research, cost

The material for analysis is blood serum, which is taken by venipuncture. The collected biomaterial is poured into a test tube, where there is a special coagulant gel, which makes it possible to isolate plasma (blood serum) for research.

Complications during the procedure of blood sampling for research are minimized. In cases of bruising at the vein puncture site, dry heat is used to quickly dissolve the hematoma.

In different laboratories of the country, the cost of the study ranges from 340 rubles for one type of immunoglobulin to 900 rubles for a summary analysis.

A laboratory response for immunoglobulin G can be obtained as long as 24 hours after blood sampling. The study of IgA continues longer. The result is obtained after 8 days.

Interpretation of results, norm indicator

There is a quantitative and qualitative determination of immunoglobulins G, A and M to Helicobacter pylori in blood plasma.

1. A qualitative indicator indicates the presence and absence of antibodies without quantitative assessment. Normally, if the patient is not sick, there are no antibodies. In this case, the laboratory statement says that the analysis for antibodies to H. Pylori is negative.
2. Indicators of the amount of IgG, IgA and IgM are based on reference (threshold) values, meaning the norm, with which the obtained data are compared.

Reference norms in laboratories differ in numerical indicators and are evaluated in different units. However, on the form of the results of the analysis put down the numbers for the "norm" and deviations from the reference values. When deciphering, it is necessary to take into account which immunoglobulin titers: below the threshold value means a negative test result, higher - positive.

Table No. 1: Reference values ​​of immunoglobulins in units of measurement Unit / ml

Many laboratories note indicators at which the result of the ELISA analysis is regarded as "doubtful". This is the reason for repeating the test in 14-20 days to clarify the diagnosis.

Table #2: Interpretation of the test for titers of immunoglobulin G to Helicobacter pylori

A refined diagnosis is established after a cumulative assessment of the results of an ELISA blood test for Helicobacter pylori with a study of the presence of three classes of antibodies to this bacterium.

Table No. 3: Decoding of antibody titers of ELISA analysis in IFE units

If IgA immunoglobulin is not detected, but the pain does not subside even with a negative test result for Helicobacter pylori, the study is done again.

Elevated titers of the three classes of immunoglobulins G, A and M indicate the aggressiveness of the infectious process.

A decrease in the concentration of IgG to 2% within six months indicates the destruction of H. pylori. But if the titers do not decrease, this does not mean that the treatment is bad. The absence of IgG antibodies during a repeat test indicates the effectiveness of therapy and the suppression of bacteria. It is desirable to conduct an analysis after the completion of therapy, at 10-12 weeks. In this case, the titer of immunoglobulin G to Helicobacter pylori decreases by 50% or more when the infection is suppressed.

With the suppression of pathogenic bacteria, there is a tendency to a clear decrease in the severity of the inflammatory process in the gastric cavity.

If there are no gastrointestinal symptoms when H. pylori is detected, this is an indicator that the stomach is inhabited by pathogenic microbes, but the development of helicobacter pylori does not occur.

What are the contraindications for ELISA

1. Patient arousal.
2. Seizures.
3. Damage to the skin and subcutaneous fat of any origin at the injection site.
4. Phlebitis of the punctured vein.

Why take an analysis for the content of Helicobacter in the blood (video)

ELISA blood test for antibodies to Helicobacter pylori is a fast, reliable and affordable method for determining the presence and concentration of immunoglobulins A, M, G to Helicobacter pylori. Given its shortcomings, which include false-positive and false-negative results, to clarify the diagnosis, it is desirable to conduct two tests that determine the presence of helicobacteriosis by different methods.

An elevated titer of antibodies to the bacterium H. pylori is often found in healthy people, which indicates not a disease of helicobacter pylori, but an asymptomatic bacteriocarrier. In this case, the pathogen does not cause serious harm. Therefore, the decision to suppress the pathogen through antibiotic therapy is made after a clinical examination, study of the anamnesis data, laboratory examination and consideration of indications and contraindications for treatment.

Helicobacter pylori is a dangerous microorganism that, when it enters the human body, provokes a lot of troubles, such as ulcers, gastritis, erosions, and in some cases, cancer. To determine the correct method of treatment, you must first undergo a diagnosis. The blood serum is usually tested for the presence of the bacterium.

In this case, the amount of antibodies relative to the pathogen in the patient's biomaterial is determined. It is worth noting such an examination as an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Depending on the results obtained, the specialist determines the presence of pathology, the degree of its development and the effectiveness of therapy.

1. Indications for diagnostics

An analysis for Helicobacter pylori is carried out in such cases:

• When one of the family members is infected.
• For the diagnosis of stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, esophagus, atrophic gastritis, stomach cancer, including in close relatives.
• With preventive purposes to identify patients at risk.
• In order to assess the dynamics of treatment.
• With signs that raise suspicion of infection. These include heaviness in the stomach, weight loss, the cause of which is unclear,.

2. How to take biomaterial for analysis of Helicobacter pylori

Blood for analysis is taken from a vein in the morning. It is placed in a test tube with a substance that promotes its coagulation - this makes it possible to remove the serum. Blood plasma is mixed with diagnostic enzymes in a special serological plate, which makes it possible to obtain a negative or positive result.

With enzyme immunoassay, the procedure is painless. The patient sits on the couch and puts his hand on the pillow. Above the elbow, the arm is tied with a tourniquet or cuff. The collection of blood itself takes no more than a minute.

There is also a blood test called a Western blot. It is more difficult and takes longer - up to six days.

A stool test can also be used to determine. He prepares one day. This study allows you to get only one of two answers: "positive" or "negative".

Preparing for a blood test

Before the study, it is necessary to exclude the use of alcohol, physical activity and fatty foods. It is recommended to donate biomaterial before breakfast. Several sips of plain water are allowed. Two weeks before the analysis, you need to exclude medication. If the test is for monitoring purposes, the medications and dosages used should be specified immediately.

If we are talking about the analysis of feces, then within a month before it, the patient should not take antibiotics. For three days, “coloring” foods and foods that contain coarse fiber are excluded from the diet. Also banned are drugs that stimulate intestinal motility. Feces are collected in a special container that can be bought at a pharmacy. For analysis, it is enough to fill it in by a third. Feces from the toilet can not be taken, as disinfectants can get into it, which can distort the result.

It is important to deliver the material to the laboratory as soon as possible. The maximum period of its storage is 10-12 hours, the temperature is from -8 to 2 degrees.

Contraindications for carrying out

The analysis is safe, and there are not so many contraindications to its use. These include the following states:

• convulsions;
• arousal of the patient;
• lesions of the skin or subcutaneous fat in the place where the injection will be made;
• phlebitis of the punctured vein.

3. Norm of analysis for Helicobacter pylori

The results, depending on the type of research, can be quantitative or qualitative. A stool test shows only a negative or positive result. ELISA accurately determines the presence of specific immunoglobulins in the blood. Western blot determines their titer.

The rate may differ depending on the equipment used, as their sensitivity and diagnostic performance may differ.

The doctor, gastroenterologist or immunologist should interpret the results. Deciphering the assay is fairly straightforward, as all analyzers have a results table that is usually printed with the study sheet. However, despite the apparent simplicity, the results should be deciphered by a specialist.

If the analysis for Helicobacter pylori is positive - what does it mean

A positive result means that an infection is present in the body. The only exception is a positive result for antibody titer, which can occur during ELISA immediately after bacterial eradication. Even if therapy has been successful and there are no more bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, antibodies or immunoglobulins can persist in the body and give positive results.

Deciphering a cytological study for Helicobacter

A cytological examination is called a study under a microscope. Take it from smears of the gastric mucosa. For the purpose of visualization, they are stained with a special dye, enlarged and examined. If the entire bacterium is observed in the smears, this indicates that the analysis is positive and the patient is infected. Next, the degree of infection is assessed:

• + - up to 20 microorganisms in the field of view;
• ++ - up to 50 bacteria;
• +++ - more than 50 microbes.

A mark of one plus means weakly positive, that is, the bacterium is present, but the contamination is not significant. Three pluses say that the bacteria are active, there are a lot of them, and the inflammation is quite strong.

Deciphering the urease test

Express on the bacterial enzyme urease is based on the quantitative principle. The specialist gives a positive assessment in case of a change in the color of the indicator, and the speed and degree of its manifestation is expressed by pluses from one to three.

If the color is absent or appears after a day, this means that the patient does not have. If a lot of urease is released, it quickly breaks down ureas and forms ammonia, which alkalizes the medium of the express panel.

The indicator reacts to a change in the environment and acquires a crimson color. The more pluses, the higher the degree of infection. So, if staining occurred within a few minutes, a three-plus mark is made, which means significant infection. If staining occurs within two hours, the infestation is moderate and two pluses are scored.

A change in the indicator within a period of up to a day is estimated as one plus and means an insignificant content of bacteria and a weakly positive result.

AT to Helicobacter pylori - what is it

Antibodies or immunoglobulins are specific compounds that have a protein nature and circulate in the blood. They are produced by the immune system in response to infection. With an increase in the number of antibodies - their titer, it makes sense to talk about a developing infection. It is worth considering that immunoglobulins can persist for a certain time even after the destruction of bacteria.

Helicobacter pylori IgG - quantitative interpretation of the analysis

Antibodies to from the class of immunoglobulins G do not appear in the blood immediately after infection has occurred, but after 3-4 weeks. They are detected by enzyme immunoassay when taking blood from a vein. Normally, IgG should be absent, or their titer should not exceed 1:5. In the absence of protein fractions, we can say that there is no infection in the body. With a high titer, we can talk about the presence of a bacterium or that treatment has recently been carried out.

The results of a negative test may be false positive: the antibody titer increases with a delay of about a month from the moment of infection. A person may be infected with a microbe, but the ELISA will show a low titer, which will mean that the infection was recent, at least three weeks ago.

IgG to Helicobacter pylori - what is the norm

Titles, norms and quantitative characteristics of IgG are determined by the method of analysis and reagents of a particular laboratory. The norm is the absence of IgG in ELISA or a titer of 1:5 and below. However, it must be taken into account that antibody titers may circulate in the blood for some time after treatment or be late in the time of appearance during infection.

ELISA and the method for determining antibody titer is rather an auxiliary method that complements more accurate tests: urease, cytological, stool analysis by PCR.

Helicobacter pylori titer 1:20 - what does it mean

A titer relative to class G immunoglobulins of 1:20 indicates the presence of an infection in the body. The indicator is quite high. The numbers 1:20 and more indicate a significant activity of the inflammatory process requiring treatment.

Titles 1:40 are strongly positive, 1:10 are weakly positive. After treatment, the titer should decrease - this indicates its success.

Helicobacter pylori IgM and IgA - what is it

Class M immunoglobulins are protein fractions that react to infection the earliest and appear first in the blood. A positive IgM analysis is manifested by an increase in the titers of this antibody fraction, which occurs during infection. IgA is detected in the blood when

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that can cause a number of diseases of the digestive tract. Therefore, if any symptoms of gastrointestinal pathologies appear, the patient is recommended to donate blood to determine the presence of the pathogen.

Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative bacterium that can survive in the acidic environment of the stomach and cause a number of pathologies of the digestive tract.

Bacteria characteristic

More than half of the human population in the body has, but not every person provokes the development of a pathological process.

It is a Gram-negative bacterium that cannot survive in the air. It is transmitted through saliva, mucus and food. The main route of its transmission is household. It spreads especially quickly among members of the same family, when people neglect simple hygiene rules, for example, mothers lick a pacifier and then give it to an infant. You can also get infected by kissing. After entering the body, Helicobacter pylori migrates to the stomach, where it can start the pathological process. But, not always penetrating inside, it causes a disease. Whether the pathology will develop depends largely on the general well-being of the patient, on the state of his immune system.

Helicobacter is the only bacterium that is not destroyed by gastric juice, as it releases large amounts of ammonia that neutralizes hydrochloric acid. She has flagella that allow her to move quickly. It penetrates the mucous membrane of the digestive tract and destroys it, as a result, ulcers form in the digestive tract, inflammation begins.

Indications for testing for Helicobacter

Most experts advise donating blood for Helicobacter from time to time, this will help to identify diseases at an early stage and start therapy in a timely manner, which will avoid a number of serious complications.

Be sure to donate blood to detect Helicobacter pylori if the following symptoms are observed:

Important! Since small children cannot always tell what worries them, you need to carefully monitor their well-being and movements, for example, a child can put his hand on a sore spot.

If the above symptoms are observed, you should immediately consult a doctor, since in this case an additional examination and therapy are required.

Preparation for analysis

In order for the results of the analysis for Helicobacter pylori to be reliable, it is important to properly prepare for it:

Important! Blood for Helicobacter pylori is taken from a vein, and some patients may pass out. Therefore, it is advisable to take something to eat immediately after the analysis.

ELISA

ELISA is a method that allows you to detect antibodies to the pathogen. The fact is that antibodies to Helicobacter pylori never appear on their own, when they are observed in the blood, it means that the bacterium is in the body and it is trying to fight it. But antibodies to the pathogen do not appear immediately after infection, 1-2 weeks must pass from the moment of infection. The ELISA result can be false negative when the pathogen is present in the body, but the immune system has not yet begun to produce antibodies.

A false positive result is also possible, for example, due to a laboratory error or the patient has recovered from Helicobacter pylori, but the antibodies will remain in the body for several more days.

With the help of ELISA, one can only suggest the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the body, and when the result is positive, additional tests are shown.

Important! ELISA analysis is not prescribed if the patient is agitated and has convulsions.

Immunoglobulins in the blood

When a microorganism enters the body, immediately blood cells begin to produce special proteins called immunoglobulins, the main task of which is to suppress the growth and reproduction of the pathogen. So when Helicobacter pylori enters the body, immunoglobulins LgG, LgM, LgA begin to be released. But they also do not begin to be produced immediately, but only when the negative consequences of infection are observed. Depending on the amount of immunoglobulins, further therapy tactics will be prescribed.

Interpretation of test results

The result of the norm of Helicobacter in different laboratories may differ. Upon receipt of the form with analyzes, normal indicators will be indicated on it, and when the numbers obtained are below these values, then the result is negative, i.e. the pathogen in the body is absent if the above is positive (microorganisms multiply, and the pathological process has begun).

If found in blood:

• immunoglobulins LgG, which means Helicobacter pylori is present in the body, as a rule, it is detected in the blood 3-4 weeks after infection, persists throughout the illness and for some time after recovery;
• immunoglobulins LgM, therefore, the patient's pathology has begun recently, but, as a rule, they are rarely detected, since most people go to the hospital when the disease is already running;
• LgA immunoglobulins may also indicate that the disease has begun recently or that the gastric mucosa is very inflamed, this type of immunoglobulin is also very rare, as many are tested when the pathological process is already running.

Important! If the patient has nothing to do with medicine, then he will not be able to correctly decipher the results of the tests, even if he knows what each immunoglobulin is responsible for. And besides this, by how much the obtained numbers differ from the norm, the doctor will be able to assess the severity of the pathological process.

How to decipher analysis

After receiving the results in their hands, few of the patients do not want to decipher them and understand what to do next. You can decipher the results as follows:

1. When LgG immunoglobulin is not detected in the blood or it is less than normal, this may indicate that either the bacteria are absent in the body, or the infection occurred less than 3-4 weeks ago. And if, with a negative result, the patient is worried about pain in the stomach, it is worth taking the test again after a month. When LgG immunoglobulin is detected in the blood, this may indicate that Helicobacter pylori is present in the body and there is a high probability of developing ulcers and oncology, or the patient is cured, but the antibodies still remain in the body, as they disappear gradually after some time.
2. When LgM immunoglobulin is not detected in the blood or it is below normal levels, this means that there is no pathogen in the body, since it is he who indicates that the disease is at the initial stage, immediately after infection. When it is detected, it means that the infection has occurred recently and this increases the chances of a quick recovery, since Helicobacter pylori has not yet had time to damage the mucous membrane of the digestive tract.
3. When LgA immunoglobulin is not detected in the blood, this means that the patient may have been recently infected, or he has recovered or is at the stage of recovery, or the pathogen is absent in the body. Of course, if the immunoglobulin LgG and LgM are also not detected.

Despite the fact that having a blood test for Helicobacter pylori on hand, and norm indicators, it can be concluded whether there is a pathogen in the body or not, it is still better to entrust the interpretation of the results to the doctor. Since he will be able to correctly diagnose, prescribe an additional examination or treatment regimen, which will prevent the progression of the pathology.

PCR analysis

This blood test is considered the most reliable, as it allows you to identify whether Helicobacter pylori DNA is present in the body or not.

A positive result indicates that the pathogen is present in the body, a negative result indicates that it is not present.

For PCR analysis, blood is taken from a vein

However, based on this study, it cannot be concluded that Helicobacter pylori has begun its negative impact on the body. You can donate blood for PCR if the patient has not undergone antibiotic therapy.

Although having the test results and normal values ​​\u200b\u200bin hand, you can try to decipher them yourself, it is still better to entrust this to the doctor, since only the doctor can do it right.