Abstract:

In order to determine the isolation rates of Helicobacter pylori in dyspeptic patients, 167 biopsy specimens were examined using different methods, including culturing, microscopy and the rapid urease test. Resistance to commonly used antimicrobials was investigated using the disk diffusion method. Of the 167 specimens, 82(49.1%) were found to be positive for Helicobacter pylori in culture and 72(43 %) were positive in the urease biopsy test. Using Gram staining, Helicobacter pylori were observed in 43 (25.7 %) of the specimens. The resistance rate of the isolates was 53 % for metronidazol, 8% for both clarithromycin and ciprofloxacin, and 4% for tetracyline. The rate of resistance for amoxycillin was not recorded. Our results indicate that a susceptibility test is necessary before initiating therapy for Helicobacter pyloriinfections, otherwise treatment may be ineffective.

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