H. pylori antibiotic resistance is the main factor affecting the efficacy of the
current H. pylori eradicating therapies. Epidemiological aspects and different resistance
mechanisms (point mutations, redox intracellular potential, pump efflux systems,
membrane permeability) to clarithromycin, metronidazole, quinolones, amoxicillin and
tetracycline, are accurately detailed on the basis of the most recent data available from
the literature. In addition, the impact of resistance toward each antibiotic on efficacy of
current therapies is thoroughly described.
Keywords: Helicobacter pylori, epidemiology, therapy, eradication, antibiotic,
resistance, clarithromycin, metronidazole, amoxicillin, levofloxacin, tetracycline,
rifabutin, quinolones, point mutation, efflux pump.
