Self-test to detect antibodies to Helicobacter pylori in whole blood samples
Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that lives in the lining of the stomach and often causes asymptomatic infections of the digestive tract.
In some cases, these bacteria can lead to gastritis or ulcers in the stomach or duodenum. The most common symptoms of these conditions include a burning sensation or pain in the upper abdomen, especially between meals when the stomach is empty, nausea, a feeling of fullness, reflux, loss of appetite, and weight loss. In the long term, the presence of these bacteria is associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer.
The Helicobacter pylori test is useful as an initial screening test to detect active or past infection with this bacterium.
