Overview of H. pylori infection and the mechanisms of action of amoxicillin and clarithromycin against H. pylori

Abstract

H. pylori infection is a highly prevalent medical condition caused by Helicobacter pylori. Detailed recordation of this pathogen dates back to the 20th century. According to statistics, nearly half of the world’s population is infected with the bacterium so far, which indicates that the infection is a serious public health concern. H. pylori infection may lead to a spectrum of gastric disorders, such as chronic gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcer and gastric cancer. In addition, the infection can cause a series of extra gastric complications. As a bacterium that can survive under acidic conditions, H. pylori has a unique adaptation mechanism, and its virulence factors are also mentioned in this paper. Amoxicillin and clarithromycin are two frequently used antibiotics for the treatment of H.pylori infection. They are all produced by modifying original antibiotics and they have distinctive molecular structures. This paper introduces the mechanisms of action and targets of these two types of drugs. Common treatments for H.pylori infection and some special approaches for combating resistance to conventional antibiotics are also discussed in the text.