Increase in Metronidazole Resistance of Helicobacter pylori in the Netherlands
Author Information
Author(s): E.J. van der Wouden, A.A. van Zwet, J.C. Thijs, G.D.C. Vosmaer, J.A.J. Oom, A. de Jong, J.H. Kleibeuker
Primary Institution: Bethesda Hospital, Hoogeveen, The Netherlands
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of primary metronidazole resistance in Helicobacter pylori strains over time?
Conclusion
The study found a significant increase in metronidazole resistance in Helicobacter pylori strains from 1993 to 1996.
Supporting Evidence
- Metronidazole resistance increased from 7% in 1993 to 32% in 1996.
- More patients with nonulcer dyspepsia were seen in 1996 than in 1993.
- The prevalence of metronidazole resistance in Western Europeans increased from 5% in 1993 to 28% in 1996.
- Statistical analysis showed significant differences in resistance rates between years.
- Resistance rates were comparable among men and women.
Takeaway
Doctors found that more germs causing stomach problems were not getting better with a common medicine over a few years.
Methodology
The study evaluated cultures of antral biopsy specimens for metronidazole resistance using disk diffusion and E-test methods.
Potential Biases
There may be a risk of bias due to the exclusion of patients who had received prior anti-H. pylori treatment.
Limitations
The study did not account for potential prior treatments by general practitioners that were unknown to the researchers.
Participant Demographics
The study included patients from three hospitals in the northern Netherlands, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.28:1.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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