Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR)-Based Rapid Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Antibiotic Resistance
Published on: July 28, 2023
Rifaximin-based regimens for eradication of Helicobacter pylori: a pilot study
Antonio Gasbarrini1, Ernesto Cristiano Lauritano, Enrico Celestino Nista
1Department of Internal Medicine, Gemelli University Hospital, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. agasbarrini@rm.unicatt.it
Background:
Triple therapy is the treatment of choice for Helicobacter pylori-infected patients with an eradication rate ranging from 70 to 85%. Poor compliance and antibiotic resistance are the main causes of treatment failure. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of rifaximin, a poorly absorbed antibiotic, for H. pylori eradication.
Methods:
We enrolled 48 consecutive H. pylori-positive patients affected. They were randomized to receive two 7-day rifaximin-based triple therapies: rifaximin tablets 400 mg t.i.d., esomeprazole 40 mg o.d. and clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d. (CRE) or levofloxacin 500 mg o.d. (LRE). H. pylori eradication was assessed using a (13)C-urea breath test 4 weeks after the end of therapy. Treatment compliance and the incidence of side effects were also evaluated.
Results:
No dropouts were observed. The eradication rate both on intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis did not show significant differences between groups: 58% (14/24 patients) in group 1 and 42% (10/24 patients) in group 2 (p = 0.24, OR 1.96, 95% CI 0.62-6.18). No significant differences in patients' compliance and incidence of side effects were found between groups.
Conclusions:
Rifaximin-based therapy showed optimal compliance but a limited eradication rate compared to standard first-line treatment. Further investigations are needed to evaluate different dosages and combinations.
Related Concept Videos
Treating Helicobacter pylori in Peptic Ulcers: Antimicrobial Therapy
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current medication...
Gastritis II: Pathophysiology
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Antimicrobials as Antidiarrheal Agents
Peptic Ulcer Disease II: Pathophysiology
