Use of a dry latex agglutination test to measure eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection

Background and Methods: A total antibody latex serology test was compared w ith enzyme immunoassay serology after treatment for Helicobacter pylori inf ection in 22 patients. Results: Nineteen patients were cured of infection, but only nine (47%) wer e negative by the latex test after 6 months. However a significant decline in immunoglobulin (Ig)G was seen in 90% of the cured patients. Conclusions: Although the latex test is suitable for initial diagnosis of H . pylori infection, it is not suitable for monitoring treatment success. A decline in IgG of more than 40% correlates well with successful eradication of H. pylori. (C) 2000 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd.