DETECTION OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN-G ANTIBODIES TO HELICOBACTER-PYLORI IN URINE BY AN ENZYME-IMMUNOASSAY METHOD

Urine and serum samples from 306 patients undergoing upper endoscopy were evaluated prospectively to determine the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to Helicobacter pylori by an enzyme immunoassay method. Forty-nine selected urine specimens were also tested by Western blotting (immunoblotting). When compared with bioptic methods (culture, stain, urease testing), the sensitivity and specificity of the assay for urine IgG to H. pylori were 95.9 and 90%, respectively. Results of testing of serum and urine for IgG to H. pylori were concordant for 95% of samples. Western blot analysis revealed a highly variable antibody response to H. pylori antigens among patients. Detection of IgG antibody to H. pylori in urine is simple and reflects the presence or absence of H. pylori infection.