What Are the Risks of Having a Positive H. pylori Antibody Test?

A positive H. pylori antibody result typically means that antibodies were detected in the blood, indicating a past infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). It does not necessarily mean that the infection is currently active, but rather that the person may have been exposed to the bacteria at some point in time.

H. pylori is a type of bacteria that can cause various gastrointestinal symptoms such as acid reflux, belching, bloating, and upper abdominal pain. Research has clearly linked H. pylori to several serious health conditions, including peptic ulcers, chronic atrophic gastritis, and even stomach cancer. Additionally, it has been associated with unexplained iron-deficiency anemia and MALT lymphoma, a rare type of stomach lymph cancer.

One of the most significant concerns with H. pylori infection is its potential to contribute to the development of gastric cancer. In fact, H. pylori is classified as a Class I carcinogen and is considered an independent risk factor for stomach cancer. The process from chronic inflammation to cancer can take many years, sometimes even decades, but early detection and treatment can significantly reduce this risk.

Another important aspect of H. pylori is its ability to spread from person to person, especially within families. Many patients seek treatment not only for their own health but also to prevent passing the infection to children or other close contacts. Because H. pylori is contagious, it's important to consider eradication therapy not only for personal well-being but also for public health reasons.