Use of a dry latex agglutination test to measure eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection.
METHODS
A total antibody latex serology test was compared with enzyme immunoassay serology after treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection in 22 patients.


RESULTS
Nineteen patients were cured of infection, but only nine (47%) were negative by the latex test after 6 months. However a significant decline in immunoglobulin (Ig)G was seen in 90% of the cured patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the latex test is suitable for initial diagnosis of H. pylori infection, it is not suitable for monitoring treatment success. A decline in IgG of more than 40% correlates well with successful eradication of H. pylori.
Midolo
P D
PD
Department of Microbiology, Southern Cross Pathology, Southern Health Care Network, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. petermid@onaustralia.com.au
Dakic
B
B
Nicholson
L
L
Lambert
J R
JR
Lin
S
S
Russell
E G
EG
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis*; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000276:immunology; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000276:immunology; D007841:Latex Fixation Tests / Q000379:methods*; D012074:Remission Induction; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G