The impact of probiotics on gut microbiota in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE

The effect of probiotics supplementation on the gut microbiota in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapy is controversial. Therefore, this review aimed to illustrate changes in the gut microbiota after standard eradication therapy with probiotics supplements.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A computerized literature search in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase database was performed up to February 1st, 2022, with English language restriction. The extracted outcomes were analyzed, including gut microbiota, adverse effects, and eradication rate.

RESULTS

13 studies reported data on 777 participants who were finally eligible for this systematic review. All of them are randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of H. pylori eradication with probiotics supplementation therapy on gut microbiota. Probiotics supplementation seems to play a positive role in restoring the gut microbiota during H. pylori eradication therapy. However, the changes in the gut microbiota are still controversial. The included studies had significant heterogeneity in the study population, diagnostic methods of H. pylori infection, and detection techniques of the gut microbiota and probiotics species.

CONCLUSIONS

The results provided a basis for the rational selection of probiotics in the H. pylori eradication process. Probiotic supplementation might keep the balance of gut microbiota and reduce the gastrointestinal adverse effects of antibiotics, but whether it could improve the eradication rate or not is a debatable point. Therefore, more research is needed to provide evidence.