Specificity of Monoclonal Antibodies Against Helicobacter pylori

Identification methods for campylobacters, helicobacters, and related organisms

The organisms which are referred to as campylobacteria are associated with a diverse range of diseases and habitats and are important from both clinical and economic perspectives. Accurate identification of these organisms is desirable for deciding upon appropriate therapeutic measures, and also for furthering our understanding of their pathology and epidemiology. However, the identification process is made difficult because of the complex and rapidly evolving taxonomy, fastidious nature, and biochemical inertness of these bacteria. These problems have resulted in a proliferation of phenotypic and genotypic methods for identifying members of this group. The purpose of this review is to summarize the problems associated with identifying campylobacteria, critically appraise the methods that have been used for this purpose, and discuss prospects for improvements in this field.

Detection of H. pylori in saliva using a monoclonal antibody

The presence of Helicobacter pylori in saliva specimens collected from infected children examined before and after specific therapy and from a non-infected pediatric population was detected by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIF) using a specific monoclonal antibody. Among the 25 children with H. pylori-negative antral biopsies, 4 had in their salivas bacterial cells similar to H. pylori, but a retrospectively performed serologic test showed a positive response. No false-positive reaction was observed among non-infected and seronegative children. The observation of bacterial cells with H. pylori morphology in saliva by IIF was consistent with the presence of this bacterium in antral biopsies. A person-to-person transmission of H. pylori by saliva thus appeared to be possible.