Open AccessMechanisms ofHelicobacter pyloriantibiotic resistance: An updated appraisal
Author(s) -
Vincenzo De Francesco,
Angelo Zullo,
Cesare Hassan,
Floriana Giorgio,
Rosa Rosania,
Enzo Ierardi
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
world journal of gastrointestinal pathophysiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2150-5330
DOI - 10.4291/wjgp.v2.i3.35
Subject(s) - medicine , helicobacter pylori , clarithromycin , antibiotic resistance , metronidazole , amoxicillin , antibiotics , efflux , tetracycline , intensive care medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , genetics
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) antibiotic resistance is the main factor affecting the efficacy of the current eradicating therapies. The aim of this editorial is to report on the recent information about the mechanisms accounting for the resistance to the different antibiotics currently utilized in H. pylori eradicating treatments. Different mechanisms of resistance to clarithromycin, metronidazole, quinolones, amoxicillin and tetracycline are accurately detailed (point mutations, redox intracellular potential, pump efflux systems, membrane permeability) on the basis of the most recent data available from the literature. The next hope for the future is that by improving the knowledge of resistance mechanisms, the elaboration of rational and efficacious associations for the treatment of the infection will be possible. Another auspicious progress might be the possibility of a cheap, feasible and reliable laboratory test to predict the outcome of a therapeutic scheme.