Increase in resistance rates of H. pylori isolates to metronidazole and tetracycline--comparison of three 3-year studies.

Abstract

Compared to our two previous studies, the resistance rates of H. pylori isolates to current antimicrobials has changed over time. The change in resistance rates of clarithromycin, amoxicillin and furazolidone was not statistically significant. However, resistance to metronidazole and tetracycline showed a considerable increase from 33-36.3% to 55.6% and 0-0.7% to 38.1%, respectively. Emergence of resistance due to the intensive use of antibiotics has become a global public health problem. It appears that plasmid-carried genes are involved in the spread of resistance traits among bacteria. Results obtained in this study indicate that the increase in resistance rates of H. pylori isolates to metronidazole and tetracycline could be the indication of indiscriminate and frequent use of antibiotics in Iran.