Use of serum specific immunoglobulin antibodies to determine Helicobacter pylori associated gastritis

A prospective study in 169 consecutive patients referred for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was initiated to investigate the diagnostic performance of serum Helicobacter pylori (HP) specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies. Using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) an excellent correlation between serologic evidence of HP and the demonstration of this organism by histology and urease test in 79 HP-positive patients was found. Serum IgG also correlated with the histological degree and the activity of gastritis. Our results demonstrate that serum IG G antibodies, as determined by ELISA, are highly useful for diagnosis of HP-associated gastritis.