Comparative evaluation of two hemagglutination tests for the detection of anti-Helicobacter pylori antibodies

Abstract

Two hemagglutination assays (IHAs) for detecting anti-H. pylori antibodies were evaluated. In 257 patients, both tests revealed sensitivity or specificity values between 71-79% or 81-82%, respectively, which were lower than those of an anti-H. pylori ELISA. Notably, the sensitivities of both IHAs varied in subgroups of patients between 48-95%. Based on the validation, the IgG-ELISA is superior to both IHAs tested, and therefore, should be used in routine diagnostics.