Features and trends in Helicobacter pylori antibiotic resistance in Lisbonarea, Portugal (1990-1999)

The features of Helicobacter pylori antibiotic resistance in Lisbon from 19 90 to 1999 were studied. Overall resistance rates to amoxycillin, tetracycl ine, metronidazole, clarithromycin and ciprofloxacin were 0, 0, 30.6, 19.0 and 9.6%, respectively. The incidence of resistance to clarithromycin was m uch higher in isolates from children (44.8%) than adults (14.6%). For metro nidazole, the contrary was observed (children: 19.0%, adults: 32.3%). Cipro floxacin-resistant isolates were all from adult patients. Concerning the ad ult population, the resistance rate to metronidazole showed a slight increa se during the decade, while for clarithromycin and ciprofloxacin a signific ant increase was observed (4.6 to 22.0% and 0 to 20.9%, respectively).