The efficacy of levofloxacin-based sequential regimen to eradicate Helicobacter pylori infection

Abstract

Introduction

Infection with Helicobacter pylori is globally prevalent. It is a chronic infection, standard treatment of which includes two antibiotics, amoxicillin and clarithromycin, plus a proton pump inhibitor used for 1 or 2 weeks. However, owing to increased resistance in our country, definitive eradication of H pylori is difficult. We conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy of a regimen using levofloxacin for successful eradication of H pylori infection.

Subject and methods

This is a prospective study conducted at a tertiary care hospital. After informed written consent, all patients with proven H pylori infection (either by biopsy or by stool antigen test) were included in this study on the basis of other inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were given levofloxacin-based sequential therapy and stool for H pylori antigen was performed as per protocol to assess the eradication rate (ie, efficacy of levofloxacin-based regimen). Patients were required to fill a Performa for assessment of symptoms. Chi-square test was used for analysis. P < 0.05 was considered as significant.

Results

A total of 149 patients with active H pylori infection were included. Out of 149 cases, 80 (53.7%) were male and 69 (46.3%) female. H pylori eradication was successfully achieved in 128 (85.9%) patients, 13 (8.7%) patients remained positive after eradication therapy and 8 (5.4%) patients lost follow up. No serious adverse event was observed.

Conclusion

Levofloxacin-based sequential therapy was highly effective (85.9%) against chronic H pylori infection.