Mucosal and systemic antibody levels against Helicobacter pylori do not parallel gastric inflammatory changes.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Mucosal and systemic antibodies against Helicobacter pylori have been detected but their role in the natural history of Helicobacter pylori-related diseases is unclear. In this study, the levels of Helicobacter pylori IgG and IgA were related to the grade of gastritis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A series of 152 dyspeptic patients underwent gastroscopy with biopsies. Helicobacter pylori was detected in 131 (86%) patients. Samples of serum and unstimulated saliva were collected. Helicobacter pylori IgG and IgA were measured in homogenised gastric biopsies, saliva and serum by an in-house enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Levels of gastric mucosa, salivary and serum Helicobacter pylori IgG were higher (p < or = 0.01) in Helicobacter pylori positive than negative patients. Likewise, levels of gastric mucosa and serum Helicobacter pylori IgA were higher (p < 0.01) in Helicobacter pylori positive patients. Gastric mucosa, saliva and serum Helicobacter pylori antibody levels did not differ between superficial and atrophic, active and inactive Helicobacter pylori positive gastritis. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that gastric inflammatory changes may not necessarily be related to the antibody response against Helicobacter pylori.