Antibiotic Resistance of Helicobacter pylori in Mainland China: A Focus on Geographic Differences through Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Abstract

Background: Empirical treatment needs to be supported by regional data, but knowledge of interregional differences is currently lacking in China. This study aimed to summarize and map the primary and secondary antibiotic resistance of H. pylori in different regions of mainland China.

Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang databases were systematically reviewed for studies published between January 1st, 2000 and July 15th, 2023. Data related to primary and secondary H. pylori antibiotic resistance rates were included. Random-effects models were used to synthesize the pooled resistance rates.

Results: Ultimately, 74 studies were included in the final analysis. Sixteen provinces reported resistance data. The overall resistance rates of H. pylori in mainland China were 30.72% (95% CI 27.53%-33.99%) to clarithromycin, 70.14% (95% CI 29.53%-37.46%) to metronidazole, and 32.98% (95% CI 28.73%-37.37%) to levofloxacin; for amoxicillin, tetracycline, and furazolidone, the rates were 2.41% (95% CI 1.43%-3.60%), 2.53% (95% CI 1.19%-4.28%) and 1.54% (95% CI 0.28%-3.62%), respectively. Spatial and temporal differences were observed. The resistance rates increased after treatment failure, however, secondary resistance to amoxicillin, tetracycline, and furazolidone were still low across the vast majority of study regions.

Conclusion: Surveillance of the updated prevalence of antibiotic resistance of H. pylori for different regions is warranted, which should factor into clinical decision making and guideline recommendations.