What is H. pylori antigen and how is it tested?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. H. pylori Antigen
3. Testing Methods for H. pylori Antigen
4. QL Biotech Company Solutions
5. Conclusion
6. References

Introduction

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that infects the stomach lining, often leading to ulcers and, in some cases, stomach cancer. Understanding what an H. pylori antigen is and how it is tested can play a crucial role in diagnosing and managing related health conditions.

H. pylori Antigen

H. pylori antigens are specific proteins or markers found on the surface of H. pylori bacteria. These antigens trigger an immune response in the host. The detection of these antigens is an accurate method to confirm the presence of an H. pylori infection.

Testing Methods for H. pylori Antigen

Several methods are used to detect the presence of H. pylori antigens:

• Stool Antigen Test

  This non-invasive test identifies H. pylori antigens in a stool sample. It has a sensitivity of approximately 94% and a specificity of 97%, making it highly reliable for detecting active infections.

• Urea Breath Test

  The urea breath test measures urease activity in the stomach, a feature of H. pylori infection. Although not a direct antigen test, it provides indirect evidence of infection with a sensitivity and specificity both over 95%.

• Endoscopic Biopsy with Rapid Urease Test

  During an endoscopy, a biopsy sample is taken from the stomach lining. The rapid urease test can then be performed, which also indirectly indicates the presence of H. pylori infection.

QL Biotech Company Solutions

QL Biotech has developed advanced solutions for the detection of H. pylori antigens:

• Rapid Stool Antigen Test Kit

  The QL Biotech Rapid Stool Test Kit offers a quick and highly accurate diagnosis with a result time of less than 15 minutes. The sensitivity and specificity are reported to be 95% and 98%, respectively.

• Innovative Serological Tests

  The company also provides serological test solutions that include antibody detection, which although less direct for current infection, can help in comprehensive patient profiling.

Conclusion

Detecting H. pylori antigens is integral for diagnosing infections. Options such as stool antigen tests and breath tests offer reliable and non-invasive methods. Companies like QL Biotech continue to offer innovative solutions that enhance the accuracy and ease of these diagnostics.

References

1. Marshall, B.J., & Warren, J.R. (1984). Unidentified curved bacillus in the stomach of patients with gastritis and peptic ulceration. The Lancet. 1 (8390): 1311–1315.
2. Chey, W.D., & Wong, B.C. (2007). American College of Gastroenterology guideline on the management of Helicobacter pylori infection. The American Journal of Gastroenterology. 102 (8): 1808–1825.
3. Malfertheiner, P., et al. (2017). Management of Helicobacter pylori infection—the Maastricht V/Florence Consensus Report. Gut. 66 (1): 6–30.