Helicobacter pylori
Helicobacter
pylori Specific Antigen (HpSA)
H. Pylori is the
bacterium which causes peptic ulcer disease
and has been associated with increased risk
of gastric cancer. H. pylori stool antigen (HpSA)
testing reveals H. Pylori antigens shed
directly into the stool.
Helicobacter pylori
remains a highly prevalent infection
throughout the world, being most prevalent
in those of the lowest socio-economic
status, with infection rates reaching over
80% in middle-aged adults in many developing
countries. This compares to infection rates
of 20%-50% in most industrialised countries.
H. pylori infection can lead to gastric
adenocarcinoma, mucosa-associated
lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, and
possibly gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
and non-ulcer dyspepsia.
Diseases
associated with h. pylori infection:
