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H. pylori-specific antigens in stool samples: qualitative detection

Detection of the Helicobacter pylori antigen in faeces is the most common method used to diagnose infection. Here, Sarah Coleman and Steve Davies compared their current methodology with three commercially available palette tests.

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative spiral-shaped bacterium found in the human gastric mucosa of around 25% of people living in the UK. It is linked to the development of significant gastrointestinal disease including chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers and gastric cancers.1,2 Progressive mucosal damage resulting in gastrointestinal disease is contributed to by a combination of virulence factors, host genetics and environmental factors.3

            Gastrointestinal diseases, particularly gastric malignancy, create a significant health burden, which is known to be the third highest cause of cancer-related death worldwide.4 This link with malignancy led the World Health Organization and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) consensus group to class H. pylori as a human carcinogen in 1994,5 and the IARC Working Group reported again in 2014.6

            Prevalence of H. pylori is strongly linked with socioeconomic factors such as geographic location, living conditions, occupation, and co-habitation with infected individuals.4 Infection is often acquired during childhood, is normally chronic and is seen worldwide. A significantly higher prevalence, however, is found in developing countries, with carriage rates of around 80% in adults.1

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Upcoming Events

Pathology Horizons 2024

MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel, Bath
18-20 April, 2024

Diagnostics North East Conference 2024

The Catalyst, Newcastle upon Tyne
19 April, 2024

ECCMID 2024 - European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Fira Gran Via, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
27-30 April 2024

British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference

UK Health Security Agency, Colindale, London
2 May 2024

EQA Reports: Interpreting Key Information & Troubleshooting Tips

ONLINE - Zoom
Thursday 16th May 2024

Participants’ Meeting: UK NEQAS Immunology, Immunochemistry & Allergy

Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Howard Street, Sheffield
24th May 2024

Access the latest issue of Pathology In Practice on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Pathology In Practice app from your device's App store

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