Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common bacterial infection affecting nearly half the global population. Transmission occurs through three main routes: medical procedures (iatrogenic), fecal-oral, and oral-oral pathways. H. pylori is strongly linked to antral gastritis and, in some cases, can progress to more severe conditions such as intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and, ultimately, gastric antral carcinoma. It is also a known cause of localized gastric lymphoma (MALToma).
H. pylori Causes
The exact method by which H. pylori bacteria infect individuals remains unclear. However, transmission can occur through direct contact with saliva, vomit, or fecal matter. H. pylori may also spread via consumption of contaminated food or water.
H. pylori Symptoms
Interestingly, most people with H. pylori infection are asymptomatic and may never realize they have it. However, if symptoms of a peptic ulcer appear, such as stomach pain or indigestion, your doctor may test for the presence of H. pylori to guide appropriate treatment. The symptoms include:
- An ache or burning pain in your abdomen
- Abdominal pain that’s worse when your stomach is empty
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Frequent burping
- Bloating
- Unintentional weight loss
Lab Tests
At MedLabs, we provide three diagnostic tests:
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Helicobacter pylori Antigen in stool test
This test is particularly appropriate for diagnosing H. pylori in children or those who prefer providing the sample in the privacy of their homes. However, this test should not be offered to patients on antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, and bismuth preparations because these substances can inhibit the growth of H. pylori and cause false negative results.
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Helicobacter pylori immunoglobulin antibodies (IgA & IgG )
Infection of the gastric mucosa with H. pylori results in systemic and local immune responses, including elevation of specific IgG and IgA levels in serum. In the absence of therapeutic intervention, antibody levels remain elevated, perhaps for a lifetime, reflecting the duration of infection. After eradication of H. pylori, specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA levels tend to decrease, typically to approximately half of the pre-treatment value within 6 months.
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Urea Breath test for H. pylori (UBT)
pylori produces an enzyme called urease, which breaks down urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide. In this test, a tablet containing urea is swallowed, and the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled is measured. An elevated level of carbon dioxide indicates the presence of H. pylori in the stomach.
The urea breath test normal range is 10.4 to 10.9 microg/min.
Note: you need to fast for two hours for the UBT test.
For further information or instructions, do not hesitate to contact us at +96265900090 ext 305
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