Lactobacillus reuteri – An alternative in the first-line of helicobacter pylori eradication

Abstract

In the context of reduced effectiveness of classical antibiotic regimens in eradicating Helicobacter pylori infection, it is justified to search for alternative therapies. The present study included 70 patients diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori infection by the rapid urease test, randomized into two therapeutic regimens: Lactobacillus reuteri DSMZ17648, liquorice and calcium carbonate and classical proton pump inhibitor-amoxicillin – clarithromycin scheme. The eradication efficiency was 54.3% in the Lactobacillus reuteri group vs 77.1% in the antibiotic group (p = 0.042) but with a significantly lower rate of side effects (2.9% vs 17.1%, p = 0.037). Finding new drugs to eradicate Helicobacter pylori with increased efficacy, cost-effectiveness ratio and no side effects remains a challenge.