What is the first-line treatment for H. pylori infection?

The first-line treatment for H. pylori infection is triple therapy, which includes a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), amoxicillin, and clarithromycin. This combination is effective because the PPI reduces stomach acidity, creating a more favorable environment for the antibiotics to work. Amoxicillin acts by disrupting bacterial cell wall synthesis, while clarithromycin inhibits protein synthesis in H. pylori, helping to eradicate the infection.

This combination therapy is preferred because it enhances the eradication rate of H. pylori and reduces the risk of antibiotic resistance compared to using a single antibiotic alone. Additionally, using multiple agents helps to ensure that the bacteria cannot easily adapt to and survive the treatment.

Other treatment options such as surgery and dietary changes are not standard first-line treatments for H. pylori infections. Surgery is typically reserved for complications related to peptic ulcers or other severe gastrointestinal issues, while dietary changes alone do not directly address the bacterial infection. Single antibiotic therapy is less effective in the case of H. pylori due to the risk of developing resistance and insufficient eradication rates.