An Innovative Approach to Control H. pylori-Induced Persistent Inflammation and Colonization

Abstract

<i>Helicobacter pylori</i> (<i>H. pylori</i>) is a Gram-negative bacterium which colonizes the human stomach. The ability of <i>H. pylori</i> to evade the host defense system and the emergence of antibiotic resistant strains result in bacteria persistence and chronic inflammation, which leads to both severe gastric and extra-gastric diseases. Consequently, innovative approaches able to overcome <i>H. pylori</i> clinical outcomes are needed. In this work, we develop a novel non-toxic therapy based on the synergistic action of <i>H. pylori</i> phage and lactoferrin adsorbed on hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, which effectively impairs bacteria colonization and minimizes the damage of the host pro-inflammatory response.