The State of the Art of Molecular Fecal Investigations for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Antibiotic Resistances
Francesca Celiberto, Giuseppe Losurdo, Maria Pricci, Bruna Girardi, Angela Marotti, Alfredo Di Leo, Enzo Ierardi
Abstract
approach should include the preliminary assessment of antibiotic resistance. However, the availability of sensitivity tests is not widespread and the guidelines have always indicated empirical treatments without taking into account the need to make sensitivity tests accessible, i.e., the necessary starting point for improving results in different geographical areas. Currently, the traditional tools for this purpose (culture) are based on performing an invasive investigation (endoscopy) and often involve technical difficulties; thus, they were only confined to the settings where multiple attempts at eradication have failed. In contrast, genotypic resistance testing of fecal samples using molecular biology methods is much less invasive and more acceptable to patients. The purpose of this review is to update the state of the art of molecular fecal susceptibility testing for the management of this infection and to extensively discuss the potential benefits of their large-scale deployment, i.e., novel pharmacological opportunities.