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Helicobacter pylori in Bahrain: A Comprehensive Study of Patient Characteristics, Treatment Approaches, and Cure Rates

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria is a major cause of gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and functional dyspepsia. Although the treatment of H. pylori has evolved over time, challenges exist due to antibiotic resistance and variations in treatment outcomes. This study aimed to determine the characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with H. pylori infection in Bahrain. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study of adults with H. pylori attending primary and secondary care settings was conducted. H. pylori was diagnosed based on the urea breath test. A computer-based simple random sample was obtained. Patients and treatment characteristics were determined from medical records. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted. Results A total of 709 patients were included, with an average age of 40.9±14.9 years. Nearly two-thirds of the participants were females (n=461, 65%) and diagnosed in primary care settings (n=464, 65.4%). Of the participants, 74.9% received treatment for H. pylori, with triple therapy (n=384, 72.3%) being the most used regimen in primary and secondary care hospitals, followed by the concomitant regimen (n=72, 13.6%). Bismuth-based quadruple therapy (P<0.001), concomitant therapy (P<0.001), and levofloxacin triple therapy (P=0.020) were used more frequently in secondary care settings compared to primary care settings. Nearly one-third of the patients underwent a test of cure (n=260, 36.7%). No significant association was found between the used regimen and the cure rate (P=0.938). Conclusion In summary, this study revealed comparable cure rates for H. pylori regardless of the antimicrobial regimens. Although most participants who underwent the test of cure had a negative test, the study highlighted the suboptimal management and follow-up of H. pylori cases. Prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the exact effectiveness of each regimen among patients with H. pylori.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.79341

Authors: Mahmood Alawainati, Murtadha M Ali, Mohamed AlShaalan, Husain I Hasan, Qasim M Jasim, Safiya Almusawi

Institutions: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Salmaniya Medical Complex

Language: English

Topic: Helicobacter pylori-related gastroenterology studies

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4407794249