CLINICAL ASPECTS OF SEROLOGY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF HELICOBACTER-PYLORI INFECTION

Aim: To assess the value of serology in the clinical diagnosis of Heli cobacter pylori infection. Method: Survey of recent studies. Results: The detection of anti-H. pylori antibodies is a rapid, cheap, sensitiv e and specific technique for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection. Alt hough it is the technique of choice in many laboratories, its clinical value remains unclear. Since the serology test is non-invasive and ea sy to use, it has been proposed as a pre-endoscopic screening procedur e. However, with present strategies, the sensitivity and specificity o f the test are insufficient for this purpose. Conclusion: At present, the most appropriate clinical use of serological testing for H. pylori is in monitoring the effectiveness of anti-H. pylori treatments and f ollowing up treated patients.