Multiple strain colonization and metronidazole resistance in Helicobacter pylori-infected patients: identification from sequential and multiple biopsy specimens

J Infect Dis. 1996 Sep;174(3):631-5. doi: 10.1093/infdis/174.3.631.

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori strain diversity was investigated in infected persons by collection of multiple biopsies before and after therapy failure. It was demonstrated by random amplification of polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction that patients may be infected with a mixed population of H. pylori strains. Most patients were colonized with a predominant strain accompanied by up to 5 variant strains. The use of antimicrobials resulted in an altered distribution of the strains present, but the predominant strain usually remained. Patients may be infected with a mixed population of metronidazole-sensitive and -resistant strains at one time, with metronidazole-based therapy selectively enriching for a resistant population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • DNA, Bacterial / analysis
  • Drug Resistance, Microbial / genetics
  • Genetic Variation
  • Helicobacter Infections / drug therapy*
  • Helicobacter pylori / genetics*
  • Helicobacter pylori / growth & development
  • Humans
  • Metronidazole / therapeutic use*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Stomach / microbiology

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial
  • Metronidazole