It all starts as a kind of dyspepsia, gastritis, indigestion. It may seem like a fleeting symptom, but over time the problem worsens and the suspicion arises: a possible Helicobacter pylori infection
In this case, your doctor may start by requesting specific laboratory tests ranging from the classic stool exam to the most modern breath-test. What is Helicobacter Pylori
Helicobacter pylori, otherwise simply called Hp – is a bacterium that lives in both the stomach and duodenum, and is one of the major causes of gastritis: inflammation of the gastric mucosa. It is very strange that a bacterium can withstand similar conditions, considering that high acidity should ‘burn’ all harmful microorganisms. It is therefore a very particular and extremely resistant pathogen. The microorganism can also carry peptic ulcer and stomach cancer. How do you identify a Helicobacter pylori infection
When the gastric system becomes infected with the bacterium, the body triggers a natural immune response both locally and systemically. All this is detectable through the appropriate IgM and IgG immunoglobulins, or antibodies involved in the immune response.
- Deepening: Immunoglubolins M and G
Immunoglobulins G are antibodies synthesized thanks to B lymphocytes. They are present in high quantities (about 75% are IgG), but are produced secondarily: only after the immunoglobulins M which are triggered in early inflammatory phases , but which are much less effective.
Blood test for Helicobacter
A blood test can detect antibodies (IgG and IgM) present in the serum. However, this should always be done in conjunction with the stool test. In fact, the presence of antibodies only means that you have come into contact with the pathogen, but they can be present even years after the infection. For this reason, if the blood test is positive, it is also good to do the stool test. If the latter is negative, it means that the organism has managed to eradicate the bacterium. The values ​​of the blood test
12: there is an infection in progress or there has been in the previous three years Presence of antigens in the stool
An alternative to blood tests is the search for HpSA, that is, antigens found in the fecal level. It is one of the least invasive and expensive tests. Just take a small sample of fecal mass and take it to specialized analysis laboratories. Unlike other similar tests, the patient can eat anything the day before, but it is desirable to take the sample early in the morning. If the report shows the presence of the antigen it is evident that the infection is taking place. The effectiveness is greater than 90%, but your doctor may ask you to repeat the test to confirm the result. The Breath test, or breath test
The pathogen has a very high urease activity. And this is exactly what the breath test uses. During the examination – performed after at least 6 hours of fasting – the patient is given urea previously labeled with a carbon isotope. The urease-producing bacterium metabolizes urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide which is expelled through the breath. This means that the exhaled air will have radiolabelled carbon dioxide due to the presence of Helicobcter Pilory. When the bacterium is absent, as there is no such kind of urease reactivity, the administered urea is totally absorbed and eliminated by the urinary route. During the test, a sample of the exhaled air is first taken and stored in a special vial. Secondly, a solution of urea labeled with carbon isotope 13C is administered orally (14C has almost fallen into disuse due to its dangerousness). After about half an hour – in which neither liquid nor solid can be taken – another sample of exhaled air is taken.Preparation for the breath test
For one month it is necessary not to take antibiotics or antacids that inhibit the proton pump (omeprazole, lansoprazole and esomeprazole). One hour before the exam it is not allowed to drink water or coffee and you must fast for at least 6 hours. The values ​​of the breath test
The values ​​considered normal are between 0 and 4. However it is important to emphasize that the values ​​may differ from laboratory to laboratory, therefore it is advisable to consult your doctor when there is any doubt about the result. of the reports.
