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Probiotics and Helicobacter pylori infection in children

E Lionetti1, R Francavilla, A M Castellazzi

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Catania, 95125-Catania, Italy. elenalionetti@inwind.it

Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents
|June 14, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Probiotics show promise in managing Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection complications and side effects in children. However, current evidence does not support their use for increasing H. pylori eradication rates.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection affects 50% of the global population, with high prevalence in developing nations.
  • Current triple therapy for H. pylori eradication has a failure rate exceeding 30%.
  • Rising antibiotic resistance fuels interest in alternative treatments like probiotics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of probiotics in managing H. pylori infection.
  • To assess the role of probiotics in preventing H. pylori-associated complications and antibiotic side effects.
  • To determine if probiotics can improve H. pylori eradication rates.

Main Methods:

  • Review of available data on probiotic use in H. pylori-infected children.
  • Analysis of studies examining probiotic effects on H. pylori density, gastritis, and epithelial cell adhesion.
  • Assessment of evidence regarding probiotic impact on antibiotic-associated side effects.

Main Results:

  • Probiotics appear effective in preventing antibiotic-associated side effects in children.
  • Probiotics may help reduce H. pylori density, decrease gastritis, and inhibit bacterial adhesion.
  • No clear evidence indicates probiotics increase H. pylori eradication rates.

Conclusions:

  • Probiotics show potential for managing H. pylori infection complications and preventing side effects in children.
  • Further research is needed to clarify the role of probiotics in H. pylori eradication therapy.

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