The Ideal Helicobacter pylori Treatment for the Present and the Future

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> eradication treatments are widely performed to improve gastric mucosal inflammation, promote ulcer healing, and reduce the incidence of gastric cancer. However, there are several issues associated with <i>H. pylori</i> eradication treatment. First, various treatment regimens are currently used worldwide, and the standard treatment varies with region and country. Second, the antimicrobial resistance of <i>H. pylori</i> is increasing due to indiscriminate antibiotic use. Finally, gut microbiota dysbiosis is potentially induced by <i>H. pylori</i> treatment. <b><i>Summary:</i></b> Based on current international guidelines and a network meta-analysis comparing the effects of various treatment regimens, nonbismuth quadruple therapies for 10–14 days and vonoprazan-based triple therapy for 7 days are the currently recommended <i>H. pylori</i> treatment regimens. These regimens show good eradication rates of approximately 90%, even in areas where antimicrobial-resistant strains are highly prevalent. However, these regimens still have inherent drawbacks that may promote further increases in antimicrobial resistance and induce gut microbiota dysbiosis because of the empiric use of multiple antibiotics. <b><i>Key Message:</i></b> The ideal concept for the present and future <i>H. pylori</i> eradication treatment involves “a simple, cost-effective strategy that fosters compliance without having a negative impact on the gut microbiota or contributing to future antimicrobial resistance.” One interesting possibility that may fulfill this concept is a dual therapy involving vonoprazan and amoxicillin. This is the simplest treatment regimen that provides acceptable eradication rates, improves safety and tolerability, and minimizes the potential for increasing antimicrobial resistance or causing gut microbiota dysbiosis.