Antibodies to Helicobacter pylori CagA, IgG

Helicobacter pylori CagA IgG antibodies is a serological test designed to detect the immune response against the CagA antigen (Cytotoxin-associated gene A) of Helicobacter pylori. The CagA protein is one of the major virulence factors of H. pylori and is predominantly associated with more aggressive bacterial strains.

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the gastric and duodenal mucosa. Infection is highly prevalent worldwide and often follows a chronic course. H. pylori is considered the main etiological factor of chronic gastritis and an important contributor to gastric and duodenal peptic ulcer disease. Persistent infection may also be associated with an increased risk of gastric mucosal atrophy, gastric adenocarcinoma, and MALT lymphoma.

CagA-positive H. pylori strains are associated with more severe gastric inflammation and a higher risk of complicated disease progression. Detection of IgG antibodies to CagA indicates an immune response to virulent bacterial strains.

This test is used in the comprehensive laboratory evaluation of Helicobacter pylori-associated diseases and provides additional information regarding infection characteristics and bacterial virulence.

Indications

• suspected Helicobacter pylori infection
• chronic gastritis
• gastric and duodenal peptic ulcer disease
• dyspeptic symptoms (epigastric pain, heartburn, nausea, postprandial heaviness)
• comprehensive assessment of H. pylori-associated risk factors
• additional evaluation of H. pylori strain virulence

Procedure

Venous blood sampling under standard laboratory conditions.

Method

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).