Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori resistance to metronidazole, clarithromycin, amoxicillin, tetracycline, and furazolidone in Brazil

Background. Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with a wide range o f digestive diseases and is very prevalent in developing countries, althoug h few data exist on the susceptibility of H. pylori to antimicrobials commo nly used in eradication schedules in these countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the resistance of H. pylori to metronidazole, clarithromyc in, amoxicillin, tetracycline, and furazolidone in dyspeptic Brazilian pati ents. Material and Methods. Ninety consecutive H. pylori-positive patients were e nrolled. Resistance was evaluated by an agar dilution test. Results. Resistance to metronidazole was detected in 38 patients (42%); to amoxicillin in 26 individuals (29%); to clarithromycin in 6 patients (7%); to tetracycline in 6 patients (7%); and to furazolidone in 4 individuals (4 %). Thirteen strains were resistant to two agents, and eight strains were r esistant to three antimicrobials. Conclusions. These results confirm the need for culture and susceptibility testing to define H. pylori resistance patterns in particular geographical areas before the general use of an eradication schedule. They also suggest the possibility of resistance to such antimicrobials as amoxicillin or tetr acycline in geographical areas with a high prevalence of H. pylori infectio n and still not fully evaluated for antimicrobial susceptibility.