High Levels of IgA Antibodies to Helicobacter Pylori among Omani Women during Pregnancy and after Delivery

• Main Authors: Mohammed Said Al-Balushi, Elias Anthony Said, Sidgi Syed Hasson, Juma Zaid Al-Busaidi, Iman Al-Reesi, Mohammed Idris, Wadha Al-Ghafri, Moza Al-Kalbani, Ali Abdullah Al-Jabri
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Shiraz University of Medical Sciences 2016-06-01
• Series: Iranian Journal of Immunology
• Subjects: Antibodies; Helicobacter pylori; IgA; infection; Pregnancy; women
• Online Access: http://iji.sums.ac.ir/article_16662_ee4241d15ef496d8d1449e7e18915db6.pdf

<strong>Background</strong>: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), is a common infection in pregnant women accompanied by variations in the levels of the IgM, IgA and IgG antibody isotypes. The variations of anti-H. pylori antibodies during and after pregnancy, and the extent of protection they provide to the mother and the fetus are not completely understood. <br/><strong>Objectives</strong>: To investigate the changes of the anti-H. pylori IgM, IgA and IgG levels in healthy Omani pregnant women during pregnancy and 3 months after delivery. <br/><strong>Methods</strong>: Serum samples obtained from 70 Omani healthy pregnant women, with no history of autoimmune diseases, were tested for anti-H. pylori IgM, IgA and IgG in the first trimester of pregnancy and 3 months after delivery. In parallel and as a control group, sera obtained from a group of 70 healthy non-pregnant Omani women were tested. The levels of anti-H. pylori IgM, IgA and IgG were measured using standard Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs). <br/><strong>Results</strong>: Anti-H. pylori IgA levels were found to be significantly higher during pregnancy (p=0.046) and after delivery (p=0.02) when compared to the control group. Moreover, a significant increase in the levels of anti-H. pylori IgM, IgA and IgG was detected after delivery (p=0.002) when compared to the levels during pregnancy. <br/><strong>Conclusion</strong>: Pregnancy is associated with an increase in the levels of anti-H. pylori IgA antibodies. In addition, anti-H. pylori IgM, IgG and IgA antibody levels increase after delivery.