Aim: To establish whether the addition of probiotics to a globally accepted Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-eradication scheme may reduce the rates of side effects and increase the eradication rates. Methods. Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of patients receiving eradication therapy for H. pylori in the eight participating centers. All patients received a 10-day proton pump inhibitor containing non-bismuth quadruple therapeutic regimen for H. pylori eradication (omeprazole 20 mg, amoxycillin 1 g, clarithromycin 500 mg, and metronidazole 500 mg all twice daily orally) and were randomized to receive either probiotics (group A) or placebo (group B). The probiotic used combined four probiotic strains, i.e., Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Saccharomyces boulardii. Results. Data were analyzed for 329 patients in group A and 335 patients in group B. Fifty six (17.0%) patients in group A and 170 (50.7%) patients in group B reported the occurrence of an H. pylori treatment-associated new symptom or the aggravation of a pre-existing symptom of any severity (p < 0.00001). H. pylori was successfully eradicated in 303 patients in group A (92.0%) and 291 patients in group B (86.8%), (p = 0.028). Conclusion: Adding probiotics to the 10-day concomitant non-bismuth quadruple H. pylori eradication regimen increases the eradication rate and decreases side effects.

Ever since Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) was recognized as an infectious cause of gastric cancer, there has been increasing interest in examining its potential role in colorectal carcinogenesis. Data from case-control and cross-sectional studies, mostly relying on hospital-based samples, and several meta-analyses have shown a positive statistical relationship between H. pylori infection and colorectal neoplasia. However, the possibility exists that the results have been influenced by bias, including the improper selection of patients and disparities with respect to potential confounders. While the evidence falls short of a definitive causal link, it appears that infection with H. pylori/H. pylori-related gastritis is associated with an increased, although modest, risk of colorectal adenoma and cancer. The pathogenic mechanisms responsible for this association remain uncertain. H. pylori has been detected in colorectal malignant tissues; however, the possibility that H. pylori is a direct activator of colonic carcinogenesis remains purely hypothetical. On the other hand, experimental data have indicated a series of potential oncogenic interactions between these bacteria and colorectal mucosa, including induction and perpetuation of inflammatory responses, alteration of gut microflora and release of toxins and/or hormonal mediators, such as gastrin, which may contribute to tumor formation.

Treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is crucial for prevalent disease's management, including gastritis, peptic ulcer and gastric cancer, whereas novel extradigestive causal associations are increasingly being recognized. Despite long-standing efforts, there is not as yet an optimal empirical therapy to eradicate H. pylori. In the present article the authors review current options for H. pylori eradication. Advantages and disadvantages of each of the recommended regimens, and the perspectives for their rational use in clinical practice, are critically discussed. The continuous rising of antimicrobial resistance has accounted for the declined efficiency of standard triple therapies, yielding < 70% eradication in most countries. Alternative first-line strategies have been proposed and largely validated and are now replacing standard-of-care therapies in areas with a high incidence of clarithromycin-resistance (> 20%). Such treatments include the bismuth-containing quadruple therapy, concomitant, sequential and levofloxacin-based regimens, the later mainly designated, together with rifabutin-based therapies as second-line/rescue options. Clinicians should be aware of the local resistance pattern and maintain first-line eradication to levels > 90% (per-protocol efficacy). This will prevent both exposing the patient to repeated treatments and spreading of secondary antimicrobial resistance. In the future, perspectives of tailored therapy and a prophylactic vaccine will obviate any treatment concern.

Introduction: Eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) becomes more challenging due to increasing antimicrobial resistance. Consequently, the performance of clarithromycin-containing triple therapies is now declining to unacceptable levels and should be abandoned unless a prior susceptibility test precludes clarithromycin resistance. Areas covered: This review summarizes updated evidence concerning new and advancing pharmacotherapy options for H. pylori eradication. Expert opinion: Due to the declining efficacy of legacy triple therapies, most guidelines recommend bismuth quadruple therapy as the best initial empiric treatment. Concomitant, sequential and hybrid therapies are remarkable bismuth-free quadruple options, provided that dual clarithromycin-metronidazole resistance is low. Levofloxacin-, rifabutin-, furazolidone- and sitafloxacin-containing regimens remain useful, particularly as salvage options. To eradicate H. pylori in line with the rules of antibiotic stewardship, susceptibility-guided treatment appears as the ideal approach. However, the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of universal pre-treatment susceptibility testing warrants further evaluation. Molecular testing methods promise convenient characterization of H. pylori antibiotic susceptibility. High-dose dual therapy (proton-pump-inhibitor plus amoxicillin) and vonoprazan, a more potent acid inhibitor that likely enhances the activity of amoxicillin, are promising alternatives that could decrease misuse of antibiotics. Addition of certain probiotics could somewhat increase the performance of H. pylori eradication regimens, while improving tolerability.