IMMUNOGLOBULIN-A ANTIBODIES TO HELICOBACTER-PYLORI

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.