Recurrence of H. pylori Infection After Eradication Therapy

Recurrence of Helicobacter pylori infection after successful eradication is reportedly rare in developed countries; however, post-therapy reinfection may be higher in developing countries where the prevalence of H. pylori infection is high. Investigators in Bangladesh evaluated incidence of H. pylori reinfection and factors that influence this event in 105 patients with duodenal ulcer disease and H. pylori infections.

Tissue samples for rapid urease testing, histology, and culture/DNA testing were obtained from 5 areas of the stomach during endoscopy. Baseline urea breath tests also were performed. Patients were treated with 1 of 5 H. pylori-eradication regimens and underwent repeat endoscopy at 1 and 12 months after treatment ended. Urea br…