Helicobacter pylori – fecal antigen

Why this test?

This test is used for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection.

To determine the indications for anti-Helicobacter therapy and assess its effectiveness.

When is it prescribed?

In cases where there are symptoms suggestive of peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, or duodenitis: such as discomfort in the epigastric region, digestive disorders, feeling of heaviness in the stomach, abdominal bloating, heartburn, unexplained weight loss, nausea, vomiting.

To monitor the effectiveness of anti-Helicobacter therapy and detect possible recurrence.

To confirm the complete eradication of the infection.

Test information

Helicobacteriosis is a widely spread infectious disease transmitted orally, fecal-orally, and through contact with the causative agent. The source of infection can be a sick person or a carrier, and individuals with immunodeficiencies are most susceptible to this infection. The incubation period is approximately 7 days.

The causative agent of the infection is Helicobacter pylori, a spiral-shaped Gram-negative bacterium capable of infecting the stomach and duodenum. However, Helicobacter pylori only leads to gastritis and peptic ulcer disease in the presence of additional factors such as blood group O(I), genetic predisposition, smoking, alcohol abuse, use of ulcerogenic medications, frequent stress, and poor nutrition.

It has been proven that Helicobacter infection increases the risk of stomach cancer. More than half of the world's population are carriers of Helicobacter pylori, but most carriers do not experience any symptoms, and only about 15% of them develop gastritis or peptic ulcer disease.

Detection of the bacterium's antigen in the stool is a highly sensitive and specific method for diagnosing Helicobacteriosis. This test is minimally invasive, easy to use, and has a specificity and sensitivity of approximately 90%.