Novel therapies for Helicobacter pylori infection

Background: Increasing antibiotic resistance has begun to impair our abilit y to cure Helicobacter pylori infection. Aim: To evaluate orally administered novel therapies for the treatment of H . pylori infection. Methods: Healthy H. pylori infected volunteers received: (a) hyperimmune bo vine colostral immune globulins, (b) an oligosaccharide containing an H, py lori adhesion target, Neu 5 Aca2-3Galb1-4Glc-(3'-stalyllactose), or (c) rec ombinant human lactoferrin. Outcome was assessed by urea breath test or his tological assessment of the number of H, pylori present. Results: None of the novel therapies appeared effective and no adverse even ts occurred. Conclusion: Although in vitro data appeared promising, in vivo results were disappointing. Higher doses, longer duration of therapy, adjunctive acid s uppression, or a combination could possibly yield better results.