H. Pylori ELISA - IgM, Qualitative

Enzyme Immunoassay for the Detection of IgM Antibodies to Helicobacter pylori in Serum

FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. NOT FOR USE IN DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES

SUMMARY
Helicobacter pylori, previously named Campylobacter pylori, is a Gram-negative, microaerophilic bacterium found in the stomach, and may be present in other parts of the body, such as the eye. It was identified in 1982 by Australian scientists Barry Marshall and Robin Warren with further research led by British scientist Stewart Goodwin, who found that it was present in patients with chronic gastritis and gastric ulcers, conditions not previously believed to have a microbial cause. It is also linked to the development of duodenal ulcers and stomach cancer. However, over 80% of individuals infected with the bacterium are asymptomatic and it may play an important role in the natural stomach ecology.

More than 50% of the world's population harbor H. pylori in their upper gastrointestinal tract. Infection is more prevalent in developing countries, and incidence is decreasing in Western countries. H. pylori's helical shape (from which the generic name is derived) is thought to have evolved to penetrate the mucoid lining of the stomach.

PRINCIPLE OF THE TEST
Purified H. pylori antigen is coated on the surface of microwells. Diluted serum sample is added to the wells, and the H. pylori IgM specific antibody, if present, binds to the antigen. All unbound materials are washed away. Enzyme conjugate is added, which binds to the antibody-antigen complex. Excess enzyme conjugate is washed off and a solution of TMB Reagent is added. The enzyme conjugate catalytic reaction is stopped at a specific time. The intensity of the color generated is proportional to the amount of IgM-specific antibody in the sample. The results are read by a microwell reader compared in a parallel manner with calibrator and controls.