Helicobacter pylori infection in India from a western perspective

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori is a common bacterial infectious disease whose manifestations predominately affect the gastrointestinal tract. India is the prototypical developing country as far as H. pylori infection is concerned and more than 20 million Indians are estimated to suffer from peptic ulcer disease. Considering the high level of Medicine and of the pharmaceutical industry, one would expect that India would be the source of much needed information regarding new therapies and approaches that remain effective in the presence of antimicrobial resistance, new methods to reliably prevent reinfection, and the development of therapeutic and preventive vaccines. Here, we discuss H. pylori as an Indian problem with an emphasis on H. pylori infection as a serious transmissible infectious disease. We discuss the pros and cons of eradication of H. pylori from the entire population and come down on the side of eradication. The available data from India regarding antimicrobial use and resistance as well as the effectiveness of various treatments is discussed. Rigorous ongoing studies to provide current regional antibiotic resistance patterns coupled with data concerning the success rate with different treatment regimens are needed to guide therapy. A systematic approach to identify reliably effective (e.g., 90% or greater treatment success) cost-effective regimens is suggested as well as details of regimens likely to be effective in India. H. pylori is just one of the health care problems faced in India, but one where all the resources are on hand to understand and solve it.

Spectrum of perforated peptic ulcer disease in a tertiary care hospital in South India: predictors of morbidity and mortality

“…The role of H. pylori in the causation of peptic ulcer disease is well established with the infection being associated with both gastric and duodenal ulcers. Previous Indian studies show the prevalence of H. pylori infection to be between 60% and 80% 29,30 . In our study 48 out of 500 patients (9.6%) had a diagnosis of active peptic ulcer disease at the time of presentation with perforation peritonitis.…”

“…Previous Indian studies show the prevalence of H. pylori infection to be between 60% and 80%. 29,30 In our study 48 out of 500 patients (9.6%) had a diagnosis of active peptic ulcer disease at the time of presentation with perforation peritonitis.…”

Primary antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori in India over the past two decades: A systematic review

“…This in turn leads to cross-resistance and may lead to the development of drug-resistant strains. 16,[40][41][42] As every population is exposed to these factors differently; the pattern of antibiotic resistance varies region-wise.…”

“…used for treating H. pylori are not exclusive and are used to treat various other infections also like respiratory tract infections, urinary tract, genital infections, and amoebiasis. This in turn leads to cross‐resistance and may lead to the development of drug‐resistant strains 16,40–42 . As every population is exposed to these factors differently; the pattern of antibiotic resistance varies region‐wise.…”

Co-Existence of Helicobacter Pylori in Gastric and Gallbladder Mucosa in Cholecystitis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Infection with H. pylori bacteria is a significant threat to public health, particularly in lower-income countries. The likelihood of becoming infected differs from place to place, with some areas having infection rates as high as 80 percent (Thirumurthi and Graham, 2012). In childhood, the infection can typically spread through fecal-oral contact, direct contact with another person, or consumption of tainted food or drink (De Graaf et al, 2017).…”