Influence of omeprazole on urease activity of Helicobacter pylori in vitro

The influence of omeprazole on urease activity of 13 Helicobacter pylori strains was assessed in vitro employing different inocula of the bacteria and various concentrations of omeprazole. Bacteria were grown in liquid culture supplemented with omeprazole for 48 h. Afterwards, bacterial numbers were assessed and urease activity was measured in a spectrophotometric assay. In 10 strains, omeprazole had no influence on urease activity at concentrations up to 8 mg/l; higher concentrations had a bacteriostatic effect. Three strains were more resistant to omeprazole: These showed a marked diminution of urease activity although bacterial numbers were only slightly reduced. Thus a possible inhibitory effect of omeprazole should be taken into account when urease of Helicobacter pylori is measured for diagnostic purposes.