Comparative evaluation of conventional methods and ELISA based IgG antibodies detection for diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in cases of dyspepsia

Seventy five gastric biopsy specimens and 75 serum samples of same patients complaining of dyspepsia were collected. Biopsy specimens were processed for rapid urease test, gram staining and culture. Serum samples were used for detecting IgG antibodies against 128 kDa external protein (Cog A) of H. pylori using a commercially available ELISA kit. Rapid urease test was positive in 54 (72%), culture in 21 (28%) and gram staining in 15 (20%). Significant IgG levels were detected in 57 (76%) cases. It was therefore concluded that for diagnosis of H. pylori infection in cases of dyspepsia, determination of IgG levels can act as an important screening procedure.