Introduction: Based on serological studies, the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Iranian adults is up to 80%. Gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric adenocarcinoma are common clinical outcomes of this infection in Iran. Since antibiotic resistance patterns of Helicobacter pylori are geographically different, local studies are highly required.
Methods: Eighty isolates of Helicobacter pylori were obtained from patients referred to the endoscopy unit of Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad. Demographic features including age, gender, and symptoms were recorded before the sampling. The antibiotic susceptibility patterns of isolates were determined for the five common antibiotics used for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. The agar dilution method was used to evaluate the antibiotic resistance patterns.
Results: The patterns of antibiotic resistance were determined, and 41.2%, 13.7%, 8.7%, 6.6%, and 6.6% of isolates were resistant to metronidazole, clarithromycin, amoxicillin, tetracycline, and furazolidone, respectively.
Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that the overall rate of antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori especially in the case of metronidazole has increased over time. The resistance rates are generally higher in the age range of 30-60 years and in females for the case of metronidazole. This reminds us of the need for a continuous monitoring program of antibiotic susceptibility patterns.