Collect feces for Helicobacter pylori. Analysis of feces for Helicobacter pylori. Method for studying specific immunoglobulins

Almost 80% of the world's population are carriers of the Helicobacter pylori microbe, which is one of the most carcinogenic bacteria and causes serious illness. To diagnose the latter, an analysis is made for Helicobacter pylori (HP), serum is examined and the level of antibodies to the pathogen is determined. Based on the data obtained, a conclusion is made about the degree of the disease and its development, and an effective treatment is selected.

What is helicobacter pylori

The bacterium Helicobacter pylori was discovered in 2005 by scientists B. Marshall and R. Warren. It is a spiral microbe that lives in the stomach. The bacterium has adapted to live without air, has flagella, with which it is attached to the mucous membrane. To neutralize hydrochloric acid, the microbe increases the production of ammonia.

Since the bacterium closely coexists with the cells of the stomach, they are destroyed by toxins that the pathogen releases. As a result, the gastric mucosa is deformed, sores appear.

HP is transmitted through oral contact, through shared utensils.

What is the test for Helicobacter pylori?

You can donate blood for Helicobacter pylori in the clinic.

The bacterium can exist in the body in a "sleeping" state, asymptomatically. In this case, it does not cause much harm to the person, and antibacterial suppression of the microbe is not required. In other cases, a blood test for Helicobacter pylori helps determine whether the microbe has become active, the onset of infection, and the degree of the disease.

An analysis for Helicobacter pylori is also prescribed for such symptoms:

• acute pain in the stomach;
• heaviness in the abdomen, flatulence;
• any discomfort in the stomach;
• frequent occurrence of heartburn after eating;
• nausea and vomiting;
• pain before eating, which is aggravated by hunger.

People with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, with their symptoms or who have already undergone treatment, are examined for the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the body. The microbe is activated when:

• weakening of the immune system;
• stress;
• having bad habits.

Types of tests to detect bacteria

The survey is of two types. In one variant, fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS) is necessary, in the other, this procedure is not required. Before taking a blood test for Helicobacter pylori, you need to prepare.

Invasive methods include:

• biopsy polymerase reaction;
• culture and bacteriological analysis;
• urease test;
• biopsy histology.

Determination of bacteria by non-invasive methods:

• polymerase reaction of feces;
• breath test with urea;
• enzyme immunoassay or serological blood test for the presence of bacteria.

Also, examination methods are divided into:

• direct, when blood, biopsy or feces of the patient are examined;
• indirect (serological analysis, urease tests).

Every analysis has its advantages and disadvantages. Only examination using different methods gives an idea of ​​the presence of Helicobacter pylori or the absence of bacteria in the body. The most accurate analyzes are the breath test and PCR biopsy.

ELISA blood test

ELISA is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for antibodies. It refers to non-invasive methods. ELISA does not determine the pathogen, but the presence in the serum of antibodies (immunoglobulins) that are produced in the body when bacteria appear. Specific proteins belong to glycoproteins, are found in the blood serum and on the surface of B-lymphocytes.

For analysis for antibodies, blood is taken by venipuncture. The material for research is poured into a test tube with a special coagulant gel. It promotes the release of plasma, which is examined for the presence of antibodies in the blood.

Before an analysis is given for Helicobacter pylori, the body is prepared in advance:

• Fatty foods and alcoholic beverages are excluded from the diet 10 hours before the procedure.
• The day before the test, physical activity is stopped.

An analysis for antibodies to Helicobacter should be taken in the morning, on an empty stomach. Until then, only water is allowed. Smoking is prohibited half an hour before the analysis. The examination should take place before starting antibiotic treatment.

Obtaining results on immunoglobulin - 24 hours. With a complete study of IgA, decoding lasts 8 days. Antibodies G, A and M to Helicobacter pylori are determined in two versions:

1. A qualitative indicator indicates the presence or absence of immunoglobulin (without assessing the quantity). If a person is not sick, then the value “negative” is put in the transcript.
2. The quantitative indicator indicates the number of antibodies of helicobacter pylori igg, A and M and their excess of the baseline values ​​with which the comparison is made.

In the analysis results column, both basic indicators and deviations from them are entered. When deciphering, immunoglobulin titers are taken into account. A negative result of the analysis is set when the readings are below the threshold, when they are exceeded, it is positive. If the results are in doubt, the study to clarify the diagnosis is repeated after 14-20 days.

The value of Helicobacter pylori is normal - 30 IFU.

• If the rate of antibodies G, A and M is increased, this indicates the progression of the infectious process.
• A decrease in the concentration of immunoglobulins within 6 months indicates the destruction of microbes.

If the titers over this period are still high, the treatment has failed. The final analysis for the detection of antibodies igg to helicobacter pylori is done 2-3 weeks after treatment.

Positive values ​​for A-antibody to helicobacter pylori more than 30 IFU indicate a latent active process, chronic diseases or early infection. For immunoglobulin igg:

• residual amount of bacteria after treatment;
• infection started about a week ago;
• active inflammation, risk of gastritis, cancer or peptic ulcer;
• usual asymptomatic carriage.

Negative values ​​of the analysis for antibodies to Helicobacter, not exceeding 30 IFU:

• For A - indicate a recent infection or stage of convalescence.
• For immunoglobulin G - about the absence of infection, but with a small risk of its occurrence. This figure may mean that the infection began approximately 28 days ago.
• For antibody M - indicates the stage of convalescence, early infection and a good result of antibiotic treatment.

PCR stool analysis

Analyzes for Helicobacter pylori are done in the study of feces PCR. This method is non-traumatic and does not require the presence of the patient in the laboratory. The study is usually done for seriously ill patients, the elderly and children.

It is problematic to detect bacteria in the feces, since the masses are treated with aggressive acids during the advancement. As a result, microbes change their shape, and their numbers are greatly reduced. Despite this, the analysis of feces for bacterial antigen is estimated at 93-95% accuracy.

After the removal of microbes from the body, fragments of the dead Heliobacter pylori remain in it. Therefore, the indicator will be increased for some time.

• Feces can only be donated before antibiotic treatment is started. They can skew the results or set a false negative.
• Three days before the test, foods containing dyes, a lot of dietary fiber and inorganic salts are excluded from the diet.
• It is necessary to refrain from drugs that increase intestinal motility.
• You can not do enemas and stimulate the release of feces with oils, otherwise it will become unsuitable for research.
• Fecal waste should not contain urine or other impurities. Therefore, before passing the analysis (3 days before it), the use of medical suppositories is prohibited.

Pylori-decoding of research can be in two forms:

• a positive test result for Helicobacter means that the bacteria are detected;
• negative indicates their absence.

The presence of microbes indicates an already transferred or unclear infection. A negative result indicates its absence and is considered normal or obtained if the preparation for analysis has been violated.

Breath test UBT

UBT tests are of three types:

1. Respiratory is done to determine the ability of bacteria to produce urease. It protects microorganisms from gastric juice. During digestion, urease separates urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide. It is released when breathing with air.

• The patient begins to breathe through a special tube, which is located deep in the larynx. Breathing should be calm and free. Two air samples are taken.
• Then the patient drinks urea labeled with radioactive carbon and after a quarter of an hour passes 4 more samples. So that the results are not distorted, the tube is periodically removed from the mouth, and the saliva is swallowed. If it gets into the tube, the test is done again, with an interval of an hour.

1. For the 13C test, only 2 samples are made. They are delivered in one-time special packages. The first test is done in the morning on an empty stomach, the second - 30 minutes after drinking the solution.
2. The third diagnosis is called helik - a modified type of respiratory. Carbamide is taken instead of isotopes. Helic test is taken by pregnant women and children who are harmful to carbon isotopes.

Before the breath test, preparation is carried out:

• From 22:00 in the evening you can not eat, in extreme cases only a light breakfast is allowed. Water is consumed before passing the test only a few sips. Drinking is completely excluded one hour before the procedure.
• 1.5 days before the analysis, foods that cause flatulence (apples, cabbage, brown bread, etc.) are excluded from the diet.
• Stop drinking any alcohol 3 days before the procedure. Do not smoke before the test.
• A few days before the procedure, certain medications are excluded. Is it possible their use - the doctor decides.
• Before the test, brush your teeth with regular toothpaste and rinse your mouth thoroughly. It is forbidden to use breath fresheners, chewing gum.

The decoding of the analysis shows two values. If positive, bacterial activity is detected. A negative result gives the opposite value. Quantitative indicators are determined by a mass spectrometer.

There are 4 degrees of mucosal infection. They differ in the content (in percent) of the stabilized isotope in the samples:

• easy (from 1 to 3.4);
• medium (from 3.5 to 6.4);
• severe (from 6.5 to 9.4);
• excessively elevated (more than 9.5).

Cytological analysis, biopsy of the gastric mucosa

Cytological analysis is one of the most accurate, which determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori. During the study, FGDS smears are used. A biopsy is taken from the most suspicious areas, excluding erosions and ulcers. After the cytology of the mucosa is performed.

The analysis can give 2 results:

1. If no bacteria are found, a normal or negative result is given.
2. A positive result means that at least one microbe has been found.

Helicobacter pylori is a pathogenic spiral bacterium that is resistant to the effects of gastric juice. Once in the body, it settles in the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, leading to its inflammation, the development of erosions, gastritis, and peptic ulcer.

Timely detection of Helicobacter pylori infection is the key to successful treatment of these and other pathologies, including cancer.

When is an analysis for H.pylori needed?

An analysis is needed when a person complains of discomfort and pain in the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms that require testing for the presence of this bacterium are:

• regular heartburn;
• heaviness in the stomach;
• painful sensations, in particular those that disappear after eating;
• rejection by the body of meat food up to nausea and vomiting.

Laboratory examination is carried out if there is a suspicion of peptic ulcer, inflammatory pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, gastritis, malignant tumors.

It includes four methods:

• ELISA - enzyme immunoassay for antibodies to Helicobacter pylori;
• UBT (urea breath tests) - urea breath test;
• PCR - study of feces;
• mucosal biopsy with cytology.

What do the tests show?

ELISA: blood test

Shows the presence and concentration of antibodies to Helicobacter pylori in the blood. Their appearance is a signal that the immune system has detected the pathogen and began to fight it.

For each type of pathogens, their own immunoglobulins are produced. Antibodies to H. pylori appear in the blood from a week to a month after infection and are of three types: IgA, IgG and IgM. They indicate the presence and stage of development of the infection.

PCR: fecal analysis

This method is the most reliable, with its help, the pathogen's DNA is detected in the patient's feces.

Finds even a negligible amount of bacteria, which helps to predict the disease and reveals a tendency to develop gastritis, cancer of the stomach, intestines and other pathologies associated with Helicobacter pylori infection.

Breath analysis

H.pylori bacteria secrete an enzyme, urease, to protect against gastric acid. It has the property of splitting urea into two substances - ammonia and carbon dioxide CO2, which is released during breathing and is detected by the urease test.

A breath test for Helicobacter pylori is performed using a urea solution labeled with carbon isotopes. For children and pregnant women, a less accurate but safe urea helic test is used.

Cytological analysis

This type of study shows the presence of Helicobacter pylori in gastric mucus. The test is considered positive when at least one bacterium is detected, and depending on the amount of H. pylori, the degree of contamination is revealed:

• weak (+) - up to 20 bacteria;
• moderate (++) - 20-40;
• high (+++) - ≥40.

To study for antibodies to H. pylori, blood taken from a vein is used. In a test tube, it is folded using a special gel that separates the plasma from the formed elements (platelets, erythrocytes, leukocytes).

In the presence of H.pylori bacteria in the body, it is in the plasma that the desired immunoglobulins are found. A blood test for Helicobacter pylori is taken in the morning, on an empty stomach. The day before, you can not eat fatty foods.

Fecal analysis requires preparation - within 3 days before its delivery, you can not eat food with a lot of fiber (vegetables, fruits, cereals), with dyes and salt.

During this period, it is also forbidden to give an enema, take antibiotics, drugs to enhance peristalsis, and use rectal suppositories.

A breath test for Helicobacter pylori is given as follows:

• The patient breathes twice into a tube placed deep in the mouth.
• He then drinks a test solution of urea labeled with carbon isotopes.
• After 15 minutes, he gives up 4 more portions of exhaled air.
• If the second test shows the presence of a carbon isotope in the samples, then the result is considered positive.

It is important that saliva does not get into the tube, otherwise the procedure will have to be repeated. 3 days before the urease test, it is forbidden to drink alcohol and foods that provoke gas formation in the intestines (legumes, cabbage, rye bread, apples, and others).

From 10 pm until the analysis itself, you can’t eat; on the day of the test, factors that increase salivation (chewing gum, smoking) should be avoided. One hour before the test, you should not drink anything.

In a cytological analysis, smears of gastric mucus taken during fibrogastroduodenoscopy (this is a method of examining the gastrointestinal tract with a probe) are studied.

Deciphering the results of the analysis for hylobacter pylori

Deciphering a blood test

In a blood test for Helicobacter pylori, the results depend on the presence or absence of immunoglobulins to the bacterium, as shown in the table below.

Three types of antibodies to H. pylori (A, G and M) appear at different stages of infection and help determine how much time has passed since infection.

breath test

The urease breath test is either negative or positive.

Upon detection of Helicobacter pylori, a quantitative study is carried out using a mass spectrometer. At the same time, depending on the percentage of carbon isotope in the exhaled air, there are 4 degrees of infection (values ​​are indicated in percent):

• 1-3.4 - light;
• 3.5-6.4 - medium;
• 6.5-9.4 - heavy;
• more than 9.5 - extremely severe.

Fecal analysis

Deciphering the analyzes of feces and gastric mucus is simple: they give either a negative result when bacteria are not detected, or a positive result.

Analysis rate

Laboratories conducting blood tests for Helicobacter pylori have their own reference values, or normal values. They are always indicated on the form.

A value below the threshold is considered a negative result, and a value above the threshold is considered a positive result. For example, for IgG antibodies, the following numbers are often used (in U/L):

1. above 1.1 - the development of infection;
2. below 0.9 - no infection;
3. from 0.9 to 1.1 - doubtful values ​​that require additional verification.

More often, infection with Helicobacter pylori carries a risk for the development of peptic ulcer and gastritis, therefore, for an accurate diagnosis of the pathology, along with laboratory tests, the gastroenterologist prescribes other research methods.

After infection, the microbe appears in many environments of the body. So it becomes possible to analyze for Helicobacter pylori in the biochemistry of blood, saliva, feces, and so on. The question of this is decided by the availability of appropriate capabilities at the local laboratory. A blood test is not carried out in order to detect the presence of IgG antibodies and some other complexes formed under the action of antigens (CagA and others). The decoding of the analysis is carried out according to the tables. So the norm in the blood of these substances is known.

The golden method among doctors is not considered a blood test for Helicobacter pylori. It is recommended to take a biopsy followed by inoculation of the sample on nutrient media. This is both an effective analysis of Helicobacter pylori and a way to determine the sensitivity of a culture to drugs.

In the serum, antibodies to Helicobacter pylori are rapidly formed. The picture is characterized by a quantitative change in inteleykins:

1. Increasing the number of IL-6, 8 and 10.
2. Reducing the amount of IL-2.

However, in studies conducted on adolescents, a discrepancy between the patterns in children and adults was found. From 14 to 17 years of age, no quantitative change in cytokines was recorded in people. Adolescents donated blood for Helicobacter, and no differences were found in the content of interleukins, necrosis factors and interferons.

What are cytokines

Cytokines have not yet been sufficiently studied, so the diagnosis in this regard is rather speculative. What was said above. Doctors are still figuring out the relationship between the concepts of Helicobacter pylori, blood test, norm and cytokines.

The described structures are protein complexes formed as a response of the immune system. By configuration, cytokines are close to hormones, and their functions have not yet been studied. Here are some assumptions about this:

1. Control over the production of blood cells and their differentiation.
2. Balancing the immune system.
3. Regulation of inflammation processes.
4. Maintain normal blood pressure and blood clotting.

Cytokines today are constantly replenished with new members of the class. Physicians divide them into classes as follows:

• Interleukins.
• Interferons.
• Chemokines.
• Monokins.
• Lymphokines.
• colony stimulating factors.

When a study was conducted on the then new infection of Helicobacter pylori, doctors found in numbers an increased background of IL-1 beta and IL-6 (on the mucous membrane, not in the blood). Over time, it became clear that inadequate reactions of the immune system, which refuses to fight the infection and gradually switches to autoimmune reactions, are due to the formed cytokines. These substances penetrated into the cytoplasm of cells and intercellular substance.

That is why today a positive blood test is deciphered as a source of problems in the field of the cardiovascular system, skin diseases, anemia and others. When first of all, a decrease in the level of tumor necrosis factors alpha, IL-8 and IL-1 beta is recorded.

Not all strains provoke such changes, but those that contain the CagA antigen. IL-8 is a provocateur of inflammation in the body.

Antibodies

When doctors faced the problem of replacing a biopsy due to the complexity of the procedure, they came up with a host of other methods. Tests for antibodies in the blood fall into this category. The analysis is considered non-invasive, although it is carried out with a syringe. Initially, the antibody test was similar to what is done for Campylobacter. By means of a cross-reaction of antigens, physicians resolved the issue of their presence in the blood serum.

With regard to studies on specific factors, for example, CagA, it was decided that this approach is inappropriate due to poor sensitivity.

The presence of IgG does not indicate the presence of an infection. It is possible to detect this fragment during the analysis for a long time. Due to the sharp decline in carriers of infection in developed countries, it is possible to determine the presence of IgG in those who have long received a negative status of the presence of a microbe.

Gradually, antibody titers fall. Paired analysis (before and after treatment) is required to understand what the diagnosis is. Therefore, uniform figures cannot be identified for a single patient. The drop in titers has been going on for decades. Today, doctors suggest assessing the success of treatment by a 50% decrease in 6 months. This feature is characterized by increased sensitivity (97%) and specificity (95%).

Today, IgA and IgM immunoglobulin tests are not approved in developed countries. Since the reliability indicators are poor.

Other markers of the presence of infection

In addition to morphological signs recorded by instrumental methods (gastritis, ulcers, and so on), clinical signs are distinguished, such as severe hunger. This is due to the biochemical composition of the blood - an increased level of gastrin. A weakly positive increase in the level of pepsinogen is considered as a risk factor for the development of an ulcer. However, this factor does not indicate the formation of the disease, but reveals a marker of the presence of Helicobacter in the blood.

At first, this trait was attributed to the genetically inherent in the human body. Since the same is characteristic of autoimmune gastritis. However, a reanalysis of the situation showed that the bacterium is the cause. So doctors consider the level of pepsinogen and gastrin in the blood to be a weighty argument in favor of the diagnosis. So with an increase in the ratio of pepsinogens I and II by 25%, it's time to take a closer look. Furuta reports a specificity of this technique in 90% of cases and a sensitivity of 95%.

The hypothesis was tested by assessing IgG titers after treatment of the infection. 2 weeks after the cure, doctors recorded a decrease in gastrin. However, in order to take a blood test using this technique, you will have to perform it twice with an interval of 6-12 months.

Result Analysis

The result is evaluated, for example, by the amount that antibodies to Helicobacter give (immunoglobulins A, M and G):

1. 0.8 - total indicators indicate a negative answer about the presence of a diagnosis.
2. 0.8 - 1.1 - additional research is required.
3. Over 1.1 means that the infection is localized in the stomach.

Fecal studies

The bacterium is found in feces, so a stool test for Helicobacter pylori is an essential test for the bacterium. However, the stool is analyzed for antigen. In the US (Cincinnati), a kit has already been developed to quantify feces for the presence of the desired molecules.

It is based on enzyme immunoassay, the sensitivity of which to the antigen is 185 ng/ml. The preparation is very similar to what was written above in relation to blood samples. Antigens are deposited on the antibodies from the equipment (by means of protein identification mechanisms). However, this does not give an idea of ​​how to treat the infection. The fact that the antigen is in the stool indicates the presence of bacteria in the stomach.

Peroxidase bound polyclonal antibodies and sample are incubated for 1 hour. Then the material is applied to the wells and aged for 10 minutes. The bound enzyme changes the color recorded by spectrophotometric methods. To fix the result (to stop the process), a stop solution is added.

The result is comparable in reliability with the histological examination of the biopsy. Doctors do not even dare to say which is the most accurate. However, errors (5%) still occur. This is less common with a biopsy.

Doctors drew attention to the dependence of the quality of the ingredients supplied with the kit, as well as the importance of the professionalism of the laboratory staff. Reagents are obtained from guinea pigs, and standardization is greatly complicated due to a lack of knowledge about the required technologies.

The study of feces in terms of effectiveness is compared with a respiratory test. In this way, the reliability of the results obtained by blood is determined.

Methods for assessing the presence of infection

In addition to how the analysis is given, how the sample is taken, there are ways to evaluate the necessary parameters. The above is information about biochemical and enzyme immunoassay varieties. But the exact one is PCR. This is the cloning of DNA sections using special reactions, which makes it possible to detect a bacterium.

This method is considered promising today. Especially when it comes to dysentery. PCR for the determination of a microbe in feces is difficult, since the presence of specific components prevents the reaction from proceeding. This makes it difficult to understand the results correctly. In addition, some sections of DNA are similar to those found in other bacteria (of which there are many in the feces). Therefore, the test in this case is not considered optimal, but is more expensive than the respiratory one.

However, PCR allows you to quickly detect DNA mutations that determine the resistance of the class to certain medications. So reliability fades into the background before the prospects that open up to researchers (in a scientific, not a clinical sense).

General selection instructions

From what has been said, it is clear that one examination complements the other. They are not alternatives to each other. Check on both methods to correctly diagnose the disease. These methods are complementary.

For the most part, both are used after treatment to assess the success of eradication. In order to determine the titer, where the effect of the presence of antibodies is increased. If we are talking about diagnostics, then feces are taken in the laboratory. Since this is how the presence of a microbe in the gastrointestinal tract is detected. As for blood, the best results are obtained with two samples spaced apart in time. Which is not appropriate in all cases.

More often, however, a breath test is done, which people sometimes take at home. And if necessary, blood is taken by doctors in the clinic. A verified case is one when a biopsy is taken during FGDS, followed by seeding on a nutrient medium. Better yet, nothing has been invented.

And the types under consideration are auxiliary methods. If we are talking about express analysis, the study of feces helps to clarify the diagnosis. If about treatment, the state of the blood characterizes the effectiveness of eradication. Those wishing to determine the presence of a microbe are better off starting with a breath test, as it is harmless and easy to implement.

Fecal analysis for Helicobacter pylori- this is reliable evidence of the presence in the human body of a bacterium that causes peptic ulcer and many other diseases of the human digestive tract. Such an analysis is direct evidence if either Helicobacter itself or its DNA is detected. The reliability of the analysis is the highest of all known.

The result depends on the correct preparation and collection of material. The presence of a person is not required, it is enough to deliver the correctly collected material on time.

Preparation for the delivery of the analysis

When preparing, you must strictly observe the following rules:

3 days is enough for preparation. At this time, it is advisable to give up all medications (if this is not possible, tell the doctor the names and dosage). It is necessary to reduce the consumption of fish and meat, cook them for a couple or boil. The best food at this time is cereals and sour-milk products, vegetable and fruit purees, weak soups, neutral natural juices (apple, white grape), compotes, fruit drinks, weak tea, rosehip broth.

Container preparation

Some laboratories issue containers for analysis, including their cost in the total price. This is the best variant. A container for feces can be purchased at a pharmacy, the cost is several rubles. The container is sold sterile and must not be opened, wiped or rinsed. A plastic spoon is attached to the lid, with which the material is collected.

In the most extreme case, you can use a glass jar with a well-fitting lid (from baby food). The jar needs to be washed well, and then boiled together with a lid and a spoon or other object that will collect feces. If bacteria remain on the dishes, the analysis will be incorrect.

Collection of material

It is impossible to collect material from the toilet or diaper. The toilet should be covered with a clean plastic bag, and instead of a diaper (for a child or a bedridden patient), put an oilcloth on it. It is allowed to take material from a clean pot.

The container is filled no more than one third, tightly close the lid. Attach a referral to the dishes or write on the label (legibly) the patient's last name and first name, year of birth.

How and for how long can the material be stored?

The container with the material is delivered to the laboratory as early as possible, optimally on the day of sampling. If there is no possibility of urgent delivery, it is allowed to store in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days at a temperature not higher than +4 ° C. If longer storage is necessary, the material is frozen once at a temperature of -20 ° C.

Methods of analysis and interpretation of indicators

Biological material can be examined in various ways.

Other ways to detect Helicobacter

During the examination, several methods are usually used to finally verify the presence or absence of Helicobacter pylori:

The set of diagnostic tests depends on the equipment of the medical institution. Histological examination is considered the "gold standard". However, a positive result from at least two different tests is considered sufficient to confirm the presence of the bacterium.

What to do with a positive analysis?

Visit a gastroenterologist as soon as possible to find out if eradication (removal from the body) of the bacteria is necessary. This is an ambiguous process, there are contraindications, a doctor's consultation is necessary.

After assessing the level of health, the doctor chooses one of the schemes approved by the international community. Depending on the characteristics of the pathological process, drug combinations of drugs of the following groups are used:

During treatment, H. pylori tests may be repeated to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

After the detection and removal of bacteria, ulcers and other mucosal lesions heal completely, and all secondary disorders stop - the microflora is restored, the synthesis of vitamins and hormones, digestion, and the risk of developing stomach cancer is reduced.

There are several ways to take an analysis for Helicobacter pylori: donate blood or feces for analysis, conduct a breath test. Careful preparation is needed.

Sometimes a person may not suspect that these bacteria already live in his body until stress, unhealthy diet, alcohol abuse, smoking, etc. become the impetus for the development of diseases. According to statistics, more than 70% of people over 40 years of age are carriers of Helicobacter pylori, but those infected do not experience symptoms of the disease.

If a person is weakened, then the bacteria begin to multiply rapidly, release toxins, which, accumulating in large quantities, affect the mucous membrane of the internal organs. First, there are inflammations. If nothing is done, erosion or ulcers will soon appear, and tumors may also make themselves felt.

Anyone can take an analysis for Helicobacter pylori, but doctors prescribe it to those who are already suffering from stomach or duodenal ulcers, gastritis, or if these bacteria were found in one of the family members (living with them), or in a loved one relative was diagnosed with stomach cancer.

Also, the attending physician may be alerted by the following symptoms, in the presence of which he will be asked to be tested for Helicobacter pylori:

1. The patient suffers from heaviness in the stomach.
2. It is difficult for him to digest protein foods; eat meat.
3. He developed heartburn, flatulence, belching, often vomits, vomits.
4. The stomach hurts, the pain subsides if the person has eaten.
5. The patient complains of loss of appetite or difficulty swallowing.
6. The man has lost a lot of weight.
7. He has constant constipation or diarrhea.

How to take tests

You have decided to get tested for the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria. How to do this, how to prepare for the analysis?

First of all, you need to know that there are several ways to do this, and it is better to hope not for one of them, but to conduct at least 2 studies.

Let's talk about each type of examination and how to prepare for it.

Blood analysis

Your doctor may ask you to take a blood test to see if it contains antibodies to Helicobacter pylori.

Our body fights infection and produces special antibodies that bind to the pathogen to neutralize it. If the patient's blood contains these antibodies, then we can say that he is infected. A blood test is given in the morning, blood is collected from the cubital vein.

Preparation for it is standard, but still it does not hurt to recall it:

1. Do not take medicines and drink alcohol 2 days before the test.
2. Before going to the laboratory, you can not play sports or go to the bath.
3. Before taking the test, you should not eat fatty and spicy foods.
4. You need to avoid stress, take care of yourself, do not be nervous.
5. Blood for analysis of Helicobacter pylori must be taken on an empty stomach, i.e. The last meal should be the night before. In the morning you can not have breakfast, even drink juice, coffee or tea, and also smoke.

Urease breath test

The bacterium Helicobacter pylori synthesizes urease, this is a special enzyme. It can affect urea, splitting it into carbon dioxide and ammonia in the intestines. When conducting a study, they look at the concentration of these substances in the exhaled air before and after taking urea. We will tell you in more detail how a breath test for Helicobacter pylori is performed.

First, the patient breathes through a special tube. Do not worry and worry, breathing should be the same as in ordinary life. After the results have been obtained, the person is offered to drink a solution of carbamide (5%). It is necessary to wait 5 minutes, and then take the sample again.

To determine whether a person is infected or not, it is necessary to check the concentration of ammonia in the exhaled air. If it is high enough (more than 0.5 mg / ml), then the test is positive. For the test to be correct, no saliva must enter the tube. If you can’t swallow it, then you can sometimes pull out the tube.

In case of saliva ingress, the examination will have to be repeated.

How to prepare for the study:

1. You can not take drugs that lower the acidity of gastric juice. It is necessary to refuse them 3 weeks before the examination. These are antacids, antibiotics, etc.
2. For a while, you will have to forget about alcoholic beverages. Do not take them at least 3 days before the examination.
3. The day before you go to take the test, you can not eat foods that contribute to gas formation: black bread, cabbage, peas, potatoes, etc.
4. You need to take the test on an empty stomach, before that, have dinner with a light meal.
5. Before being examined, i.e. in the morning, no smoking and no breakfast.
6. For a day, do not chew chewing gum, which contributes to strong salivation.

As we can see, the preparation for the test is not difficult, but it is better to start it in advance.

Fecal analysis

To determine if the body has Helicobacter pylori bacteria, you can take a stool test. Before you donate feces for analysis, 3 days before you collect the material, you must give up dyes and dietary fiber, you can not take medication for constipation.

How to prepare for the analysis?

72 hours before giving feces for analysis, you should refuse medicines, medical suppositories, so that the result is correct. The person must go to the toilet on his own, without the help of laxatives. Do not stain the biomaterial with urine or blood.

Keep feces in a clean container. It is better to go to the toilet in the morning and immediately take the feces to the laboratory. If it doesn’t work, you can do it in the evening, but the material should not be stored for more than 10 hours. And in this case, it must be kept in the refrigerator, at a temperature not exceeding 8 degrees.

We told how you can prepare for each type of analysis. If something is not clear to you, you can clarify all the details with your doctor, who will tell you what and how to do.