Abstract

Objective: To determine the authenticity of three techniques viz., ELISA, western blot and indirect immune fluorescence assay (IIFA) to establish the connection between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and two obstructive airway diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) and asthma. Methods: Serum samples were collected from 48 patients, 27 with COPD, 21 with asthma diseases and control sera were obtained from 42 healthy volunteer blood donors. Serum samples were analyzed by three sero-based techniques, viz., ELISA, western blot and IIFA. Results: ELISA results revealed no connection between the H. pylori infection and COPD and asthma. Western blot results also did not reveal any relationship between H. pylori and obstructive airway diseases. Antibody pattern also did not support the connection between these two diseases. IIFA tests revealed a positive connectivity and relation between the two diseases. Conclusions: The results of the present investigations reveal an association of H. pylori in COPD and asthma. IIFA is a reliable test and hence it is recommended.

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