[HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION ERRADICATION IN DISPEPTIC PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUT PEPTIC ULCER]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Microbiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is a prevalent global health issue linked to peptic ulcers and chronic gastritis.
• Antibiotic resistance and high costs challenge standard triple-drug therapies for HP eradication.
• HP infection is also implicated in the development of gastric cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a novel triple-drug regimen comprising tetracycline, furazolidone, and bismuth for HP eradication.
• To assess the impact of this eradication therapy on histological parameters of gastric biopsies.

Main Methods:

• A 10-day regimen of tetracycline, furazolidone, and colloidal bismuth subcitrate was administered to patients with diagnosed HP infection.
• Antral gastric biopsies were analyzed before and 6-8 weeks after treatment using hematoxylin and eosin staining.
• Histological parameters evaluated included HP density, chronic gastritis, inflammatory activity, glandular atrophy, mucinous damage, intestinal metaplasia, and lymphoid follicles.

Main Results:

• HP eradication was successful in 91.5% (54/59) of patients completing the protocol.
• Significant improvements were observed in HP density, chronic gastritis, inflammatory activity, mucinous damage, and lymphoid follicles post-treatment (p<0.001).
• No significant changes were noted in glandular atrophy or intestinal metaplasia; patients with persistent HP showed no histological improvement.

Conclusions:

• The tetracycline, furazolidone, and bismuth regimen is an effective strategy for eradicating HP infection.
• Successful HP eradication leads to significant histological improvements in gastritis and mucosal damage.
• This cost-effective therapeutic approach offers a viable alternative for managing HP infection, particularly in high-prevalence, low-income populations.