Serological testing for immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to Helicobac
ter pylori has proven useful in supporting the diagnosis of infection
with this organism, but the clinical value of IgA antibodies in H. pyl
ori-related gastritis remains controversial. The purpose of our study
was to determine the frequency of IgA-positive IgG-negative patients w
ith symptoms of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, thus assessing the cl
inical utility of IgA testing for H. pylori-related gastritis. It was
found previously that the frequency of infected individuals in this ca
tegory (IgA positive and IgG negative) is about 2%, but a large number
of IgG-negative patients with GI disorders suggestive of H. pylori in
fection have not been investigated until now.