Changes in the intestinal microflora of children with Helicobacter pylori infection and after Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a common etiological factor leading to chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer. In addition there is a close relationship between H. pylori infection and non-ulcer dyspepsia or gastric cancer. The high incidence of H. pylori infection in pediatric patients in developing countries is thought to inhibit their physical development because of malnutrition anaemia and growth retardation. Anti-H. pylori therapy is recommended in children with H. pylori-induced gastritis and ulcer. The intake of high-dose broad-spectrum antibiotics may cause serious side effects including the alteration of intestinal flora fungal infection impaired liver function and drug resistance. In recent years simultaneous administration of probiotics has been used to alleviate the side effects of drug therapy and boost the therapeutic effectiveness of H. pylori eradication. In this study we investigated changes in the intestinal microbial flora in H. pylori infected children and afterH. pylori eradication therapy. We attempted to establish a basis for future research into the role of probiotics in anti-H. pylori treatment. (excerpt)