Probiotics as an adjuvant treatment in Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is common, with most individuals asymptomatic.
• Antibiotic resistance and poor compliance often lead to eradication therapy failure.
• Probiotics are explored as supplementary H. pylori treatment due to inhibitory effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the role of probiotics as an adjuvant therapy for H. pylori eradication.
• To assess the impact of probiotics on eradication rates and therapy-related side effects.
• To identify factors influencing probiotic efficacy and safety in H. pylori treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of animal models and clinical trials investigating probiotic use in H. pylori eradication.
• Analysis of studies examining direct and indirect inhibitory effects of probiotics on H. pylori.
• Assessment of data on eradication rates, side effects, and probiotic characteristics (species, strain, dose, duration).

Main Results:

• Probiotics demonstrate potential benefits, improving H. pylori eradication rates and reducing therapy-related side effects.
• Treatment outcomes are controversial due to heterogeneity in probiotic species, strains, doses, and duration.
• Adverse events associated with probiotic use require careful consideration.

Conclusions:

• Probiotics show a positive role in H. pylori eradication therapy but require further investigation.
• Factors such as probiotic strain, dose, and treatment duration need optimization.
• More research is necessary to establish the safety and optimal application of adjuvant probiotics.