Diagnose early H pylori infection in patients with gastric and duodenal disease. Circulating antibodies to H pylori are predominantly of the IgG class. A systemic response of the IgA type is usually less pronounced but, if significant, may indicate a more severe inflammation. A few patients develop only antibodies to IgA. Antibodies to IgM, although rare, may indicate an early infection.
The H Pylori Abs IgM test may be used to help determine the cause of ulcers in the stomach or duodenum (first section of the small intestine) or to assess the cause of chronic gastritis. The H Pylori IgG test screens for antibodies which may remain present in the bloodstream even after an infection has been successfully treated.
A positive H. pylori stool antigen, breath test, or biopsy indicates that a person’s gastrointestinal pain is likely caused by a peptic ulcer due to these bacteria. A negative test result means that it is unlikely that the individual has an H. pylori infection and their signs and symptoms may be due to another cause.
