Probiotics and Helicobacter pylori.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Immunology

Background:

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a significant cause of gastritis and peptic ulcers.
• Probiotics are increasingly recognized for their potential to modulate the gut microbiome.
• The interaction between probiotics and H. pylori colonization is an area of active research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence supporting the interaction between probiotics and H. pylori.
• To explore the mechanisms by which probiotics affect H. pylori.
• To assess the impact of probiotics on H. pylori eradication and treatment side effects.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating probiotic effects on H. pylori.
• Analysis of data on lactic acid production, bacteriocin release, and antibiotic secretion by probiotics.
• Examination of evidence for probiotic interference with H. pylori adhesion and H. pylori-induced gastritis.
• Review of clinical trials assessing probiotic influence on H. pylori eradication rates and associated side effects.

Main Results:

• Probiotics demonstrate multiple mechanisms to inhibit H. pylori, including acid production and bacteriocin secretion.
• Probiotics can interfere with H. pylori adhesion to gastric epithelial cells.
• Evidence suggests probiotics can attenuate H. pylori-induced gastritis.
• Probiotics show potential in improving H. pylori eradication rates and reducing antibiotic-associated gastrointestinal side effects.

Conclusions:

• Probiotics offer a promising adjunctive strategy for managing H. pylori infections.
• Further research is warranted to optimize probiotic use in H. pylori eradication therapy.
• Probiotics may play a role in mitigating treatment-related adverse events.