Objective: to explore a new serological method for detectingHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Methods: Serum soluble antigen ofH. pylori was detected by using avidin-biotin ELISA technique to evaluate the status ofH. pylori infection and for comparison with rapid urease test (RUT), histologic examination and serology. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 77.46%, 91.07%, 91.67% and 76.12%, respectively. The prevalence rate of serumH. pylori soluble antigen in 138 patients undergoing endoscopy was similar to the rate obtained by14C-UBT methods (P>0.05). Conclusions: The detection of serumH. pylori soluble antigen(HpSAg) could be used as a new serological method which is accurate, and convenient, not affected by the memorizing reaction of serum antibody; is more sensitive, more specific and suitable for clinical diagnosis, and evaluation of eradication and for follow-up ofH. pylori as well as for detection in children and pregnant women.
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