Helicobacter pylori Antimicrobial Resistance and the Role of Next-Generation Sequencing.

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori infection affects over half of the world's population and is a global health concern because it contributes to chronic and fatal gastrointestinal disorders, including peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. The escalating prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains of H pylori necessitates a change in management. The conventional strategy of empiric-based treatments is becoming increasingly ineffective in both adult and pediatric populations; rates of eradication to common first-line regimens remain suboptimal and continue to decline. Culture-based susceptibility testing for H pylori has been underutilized and challenging to incorporate into practice. Next-generation sequencing (NGS), which can identify the genetic biomarkers that predict antimicrobial resistance and susceptibility patterns, offers a promising alternative. NGS may enable clinicians to tailor individual treatment regimens and contribute to epidemiologic surveillance across populations. As NGS technology advances and becomes more accessible, its integration into routine clinical practice holds the potential to transform H pylori management strategies and improve patient outcomes. This article reviews the literature describing antimicrobial resistance patterns in adult and pediatric practice in the United States and provides practical guidance on the current role of NGS in the management of H pylori.