The presence of antibodies to Helicobacter pylori is assayed by means of a qualitative ELISA (INOVA). This assay serves as an alternative to more invasive procedures and is intended to aid in the diagnosis of H. pylori infections in patients with clinical signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal disease.
Helicobacter pylori Western blot (For Research Use Only)
Antibodies to Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that colonizes the gastric mucosa and is associated with gastritis and peptic ulcers, are demonstrated qualitatively with this Western blot assay. This method provides a characterization of the immune response by detecting specific reactivity to discrete bacterial antigens. If the samples contain antibodies to H. pylori in sufficient quantities then specific bands will be detected. Additional studies will hopefully elucidate the diagnostic implications of the proteins.¹ Reactivity is determined by comparison to controls.
References
1. Vinette, K. M. B., Gibney, K. M., Proujansky, R., and Fawcett, P. T. F. Comparison of PCR and clinical laboratory tests for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection in pediatric patients. BMC Microbiology 2004, 4:5 (27 Jan 2004).