H pylori IgA:
Why H pylori (IgA) Test?
CLINICAL INFORMATION
Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) is a pathogenic bacteria that can enter the body and can survive in the digestive tract. It causes ulcers in the lining of the stomach or at the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum), which in the due period of time can lead to stomach cancer. Untreated long-standing cases can lead to complications like GI bleeding, severe chronic atrophic gastritis – SCAG, gastric ulcer/cancers etc. Sources of infection are usually water, food, utensils etc, and moreover, this bacteria can spread through contact with saliva and/or other body fluids. Symptoms include dull or burning pain in the stomach due to ulcers, bloating, burping, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloody stools, shortness of breath, fatigue etc. Other clinical manifestations may include chronic pharyngitis, Gastritis - an ache or burning sensation in the abdomen (gnawing of the stomach), production of excessive gas in the GIT like burps, flatus/flatulence etc, Backache - upper back pain worsens at night (on an empty stomach), pain in the upper shoulder, heartburn, GERD, kidney diseases due to urological diseases such as UTI, cystitis leading to bladder lymphoma, respiratory diseases, fever, chills, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, bloating, belching, loss of appetite, indigestion (dyspepsia), tiredness, anaemia, proteinuria, can elevate urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, can alter the BP, can increase the frequency of urination, cause red-brown urine, tar-coloured stools etc. Certain foods that can increase the risk of H.pylori infection by gastritis include red meat, processed meats, fatty foods, alcohol, processed foods that are salted, dried, pickled or smoked.
IgA is immunoglobulins or antibodies (blood proteins) synthesized by the immune system. These IgA immunoglobulin subtypes are produced by the mucosal surfaces such as GIT, respiratory tract etc. A positive antibody (IgA) test result for H pylori may be regarded as an indicator for gastric ulcer disease and also has an increased risk for gastric cancer. Other additional tests include blood and stool test, urea breath test, ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay) technique is used to detect the levels of serum Anti-H pylori Antibodies (IgA), upper GI endoscopy, upper GIT tests, image studies such as CT scan, histopathological studies etc.
General Instructions:
Sample Requirement: Specimen – the preferred specimen is Stool Sample (As guided by the physician). Test Preparation: None.
NOTE - Sample for specimen collections may vary based on the patient’s condition/cases according to the patient’s presenting complaints/signs or symptoms:
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENT (Special or Rare Cases) - As instructed and guided by Physician / Clinician / Pathologist / as per Laboratory’s requirements, according to procedures and protocols.
