Vircell improves its Helicobacter pylori panel

Launch of a new product for the semi quantitative detection of IgA antibodies and updating of product IgG including calibrator

 Vircell extends its ELISA product range with the launching of the new HELICOBACTER PYLORI ELISA IgA (Ref.) (A1022) and completes its solution for the serological diagnosis of this pathogen. Moreover, includes a semi quantification control in its HELICOBACTER PYLORI ELISA IgG product (Ref. G1022) that contains 20 - 50 U./ml of IgG anti-Helicobacter pylori.

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium with high prevalence worldwide that infects the mucosa of the human gastric epithelium. Infection by H. pylori is a well-established cause of gastric and duodenal ulcer. In addition, the persistent infection is a risk factor for carcinoma and gastric lymphoma.

As in other chronic diseases, the determination of IgM has not proven its usefulness in the clinical laboratory. However, the IgG and IgA specific antibodies to H. pylori in serum samples are recommended markers for diagnosis and treatment follow up, especially in primary health care. There is a small percentage of the infected population that develops IgA without IgG.

In untreated patients IgG and IgA values are kept high for years. In patients treated with success, IgG and IgA levels decrease over time, being the seroreversion stronger on IgA. In these cases, measuring antibody levels is especially useful.