Helicobacter pylori - IgA Antibody
🔬 Stomach Infection TestReport: Next day Evening (Except Sunday)
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: BC264
The Helicobacter pylori IgA Antibody test is a type of blood test broadly known as an **H. pylori test**. It specifically detects IgA antibodies against the H. pylori bacterium. IgA antibodies are primarily found in mucosal linings, like the stomach, and their presence suggests an active or recent immune response to an H. pylori infection.
✔ Helps in the diagnosis of an active H. pylori infection, a common cause of gastritis and ulcers.
✔ Differentiates from an IgG test, which primarily indicates past exposure.
✔ Used to investigate symptoms like chronic stomach pain, bloating, and indigestion.
✔ This is an antibody test and is different from a **Urease test** (like a breath test).
H. pylori and the Role of IgA Antibodies
Helicobacter pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium that has the unique ability to survive in the harsh, acidic environment of the stomach. It colonizes the stomach lining, and a long-term infection can lead to chronic inflammation (gastritis), peptic ulcers (sores in the lining of the stomach or small intestine), and is a significant risk factor for developing stomach cancer.
When your body detects an H. pylori infection, your immune system responds by producing different types of antibodies. The **IgA (Immunoglobulin A)** antibody is of particular interest because it is the main antibody found in mucosal secretions. Its primary job is to provide a first line of defense at the surface of linings like the stomach. The presence of specific IgA antibodies against H. pylori in the blood is a strong indicator that there is an active, ongoing battle between your immune system and the bacteria right at the stomach lining.
IgA vs. IgG: A Crucial Difference
It's important to understand the difference between the IgA and IgG antibody tests for H. pylori:
- IgA Test (This Test): The presence of IgA antibodies is more closely associated with a **current or recent active infection** and the associated inflammation. Levels tend to fall after successful treatment.
- IgG Test: IgG antibodies are the "memory" antibodies. They can remain in the blood for years, even after the infection has been successfully eradicated. A positive IgG test indicates exposure to H. pylori at some point in your life, but not necessarily a current infection.
Therefore, a doctor may order the IgA test, often alongside the IgG test, to get a clearer picture of the infection's status.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
H. pylori is a common type of bacteria that grows in the digestive tract and has a tendency to attack the stomach lining. It is a major cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and is a risk factor for stomach cancer.
A positive result for IgA antibodies strongly suggests you have an active or very recent H. pylori infection. It indicates that your immune system is currently fighting the bacteria at the mucosal level (in your stomach lining).
No, they are different. This IgA test is an **antibody test** that checks your blood for an immune response to the bacteria. A **Urease test** (like a Urea Breath Test or a Rapid Urease Test on a biopsy) checks for the urease enzyme that the H. pylori bacteria produces. Both can detect an active infection, but they measure different things.
No, fasting is not generally required for the H. pylori IgA antibody blood test.