HELICOBACTER PYLORI-IgG Detail

The Helicobacter pylori IgG test identifies Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies produced in response to infection with Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that colonizes the stomach lining. H. pylori is a major cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and is associated with gastric carcinoma and MALT lymphoma.

IgG antibodies generally appear a few weeks after infection and can remain in the bloodstream for months or years, even after successful treatment. Therefore, a positive IgG result indicates:

• Current or previous exposure to H. pylori,

• But it cannot differentiate between an active and past infection.