Impact of a two-bacterial-strain formula, containing Bifidobacterium animalis lactis BB-12 and Enterococcus faecium L3, administered before and after therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication.

Background: Results from the meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies demonstrate that the adjuvant use of probiotics enhances the rate of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication, reducing concomitantly the occurrence of side effects, mainly diarrhea. Bifidobacterium animalis lactis BB-12 and Enterococcus faecium L3 are two bacterial strains reported to clinically improve the rate of Hp eradication, reducing concomitantly the occurrence of side effects.

Methods: Due to our pragmatic and routine use of these two strains as an adjuvant therapy to antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) during attempted Hp eradication, we have analyzed retrospectively their impact on the outcome.

Results: Our results, obtained through a highly pragmatic clinical approach, demonstrate that the probiotic add-on therapy before and after the triple or quadruple therapy to eradicate Hp increases eradication rates and reduces side effects. Moreover, even if observed in only a small cohort of patients, the treatment seems to improve the eubiosis of the gut microbial consortium.

Conclusions: Administration of BB-12 and L3 strains as an adjuvant regimen during Hp eradication therapy has better success than conventional therapy (antibiotics plus a PPI) alone.