Probiotics for cure of Helicobacter pylori infection: A review

Abstract

Human physiology normally contains pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms in the gastrointestinal flora. Disturbance of these microorganism balance results in the formation of infection. Extensive use of antibiotics for cure of these disturbances like Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection leads to patient discomfort and associated side-effects. There is a need to adopt adjunct or alternative approach in order to minimize such conditions. Probiotics is one of the potential therapies to cure gastrointestinal discomforts especially associated with H. pylori. It competes through non-immune and immune systems. This review article concludes that probiotics are used to eradicate the infection at increased rate, and decreased associated side-effects are caused by triple therapy. A proper evaluation of these probiotics is demanded before their use in future as a commercial product. Furthermore, their effect on immune system requires more research work so that their usage for other chronic disorders can also be considered.