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World J Gastrointest Pharmacol Ther. Aug 6, 2012; 3(4): 68-73
Published online Aug 6, 2012. doi: 10.4292/wjgpt.v3.i4.68
Helicobacter pylori therapy: Present and future
Vincenzo De Francesco, Enzo Ierardi, Cesare Hassan, Angelo Zullo
Vincenzo De Francesco, Enzo Ierardi, Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Foggia, Ospedali Riuniti, 71100 Foggia, Italy
Cesare Hassan, Angelo Zullo, Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, “Nuovo Regina Margherita” Hospital, 00153 Rome, Italy
Author contributions: De Francesco V and Zullo A prepared the manuscript; Ierardi E and Hassan C reviewed the manuscript and made constructive criticisms.
Correspondence to: Dr. Vincenzo De Francesco, MD, Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Foggia, Ospedali Riuniti, Viale L. Pinto, 71100 Foggia, Italy. vdefrancesco@ospedaliriunitifoggia.it
Telephone: +39-881-733690 Fax: +39-881-732092
Received: November 14, 2011
Revised: June 15, 2012
Accepted: June 25, 2012
Published online: August 6, 2012
Abstract

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of chronic active gastritis, peptic ulcer and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue-lymphoma, and is also involved in carcinogenesis of the stomach. H. pylori treatment still remains a challenge for physicians, since no current first-line therapy is able to cure the infection in all treated patients. Several factors may help in the eradication of therapy failure. We reviewed both bacterial and host factors involved in therapeutic management of the H. pylori infection. In addition, we evaluated data on the most successful therapy regimens - sequential and concomitant therapies - currently available for H. pylori eradication.

Keywords: Helicobacter pylori; Antibiotic resistance; Virulence factors; Therapy; Eradication