Factors associated with treatment failure, and possible applications of probiotic bacteria in the arsenal against Helicobacter pylori.

INTRODUCTION

Helicobacter pylori is a widespread helical Gram-negative bacterium, which causes a variety of stomach disorders, such as peptic ulcer, chronic atrophic gastritis, and gastric cancer. This microbe frequently colonizes the mucosal layer of the human stomach and survives in the inhospitable microenvironment, by adapting to this hostile milieu.

AREAS COVERED: In this extensive review, we describe conventional antibiotic treatment regimens used against H. pylori including, empirical, tailored, and salvage therapies. Then, we present state-of-the-art information about reasons for treatment failure against H. pylori. Afterward, the latest advances in the use of probiotic bacteria against H. pylori infection are discussed. Finally, we propose a polymeric bio-platform to provide efficient delivery of probiotics for H. pylori infection.

EXPERT OPINION: For effective probiotic delivery systems, it is necessary to avoid the early release of probiotics at the acidic stomach pH, to protect them against enzymes and antimicrobials, and precisely target H. pylori bacteria which have colonized the antrum area of the stomach (basic pH).