[Antibacterial treatment of Campylobacter pylori-associated gastritis and peptic ulcer]

On the basis of possible etiological or pathogenetic significance of Campylobacter pylori for the development, maintenane og recurrence of gastritis and peptic ulceration, a review based on the literature is presented for the sensitivity of the bacteria in vitro and in vivo to antibiotics and preparations employed in the medicinal treatment of gastritis and peptic ulceration. The bacterium is sensitive in vitro to a long series of antibiotics and all of the anti-ulcer agents have, similarly, antibacterial activity in vitro, but, apart from bismuth, only in high concentrations. Among the anti-ulcer agents, only bismuth and, similarly, amoxycillin are capable of eliminating the bacteria from the stomach and this is associated with healing of any gastritis present. Recurrence of infection is observed in more than 50% of the patients after the conclusion of treatment regardless of whether this was antibiotic or bismuth treatment. High in vitro activity of a substance is not synonymous with in vivo activity. A correlation was demonstrated between recurrence of duodenal ulcer and recurrent/persistent infection with Campylobacter pylori. The optimal antibacterial therapeutic strategy is not established and, similarly, no generally accepted indication for specific antimicrobial treatment of Campylobacter pylori associated gastritis or peptic ulceration exists.