Immunoblot Helicobacter IgG CB37/4702
Immunoblot Helicobacter IgA CB37/4703
Immunoblot test for the detection of IgG or 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.
In comparison with other immunological processes, such as ELISA or IFT, the immunoblot exhibits additional criteria with regard to sensitivity and specificity. Above all, reactivities with individual antigens can be detected. Antibodies against virulence factors like CagA, VacA or urease can be safely detected by using a toxin positive strain of Helicobacter pylori for antigen preparation.