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[Helicobacter pylori antibiotic sensitivity by microdilution]
F Rivas1, P Rivera, F Hernández
1De la Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
Revista Medica De Panama
|May 11, 2005
Summary
Helicobacter pylori antibiotic resistance is a growing concern. This study found high resistance to metronidazole (63%) and tetracycline (20%) in Costa Rican strains, highlighting the need for updated treatment guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori is a major cause of gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer.
- Treatment of H. pylori infections is challenging due to developing antibiotic resistance.
- Antibiotic susceptibility testing is crucial, especially after treatment failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the antibiotic resistance profile of H. pylori strains in Costa Rica.
- To provide data for designing effective H. pylori treatment regimens in a developing country.
Main Methods:
- 51 H. pylori strains were isolated from gastric biopsies.
- Antibiotic susceptibility was determined using egg yolk broth and microdilution techniques.
- Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) were determined for metronidazole, tetracycline, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin.
Main Results:
- High resistance rates were observed: metronidazole (63.0%), tetracycline (20.0%), and clarithromycin (6.0%).
- No resistance was found to amoxicillin.
- The microdilution technique, though laborious, proved reproducible.
Conclusions:
- Significant antibiotic resistance to common H. pylori therapies exists in Costa Rica.
- Amoxicillin remains a reliable treatment option.
- Antibiotic profiling is recommended to guide therapy and combat resistance.