Probiotics in the Management of Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Comprehensive Review

The bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is widely recognized as a common pathogen strongly associated with several gastrointestinal disorders, including gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. Conventional treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors, which, although effective, often lead to adverse effects and contribute to the growing issue of antibiotic resistance. In recent years, probiotics, defined as live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, have emerged as a potential supportive therapy for managing H. pylori infections. This review examines the role of probiotics in enhancing treatment outcomes, minimizing side effects, and supporting the eradication of H. pylori. Methodology: This review analysed clinical trials, meta‑analysis, and lab studies of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces boulardii used alongside standard treatments. Key outcome measures included were eradication success, symptom alleviation, and reduction in complications. Conclusion: Findings from previous research demonstrate that probiotics, like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, exhibit significant potential to improve eradication rates and reduce treatment associated side effects at doses of 10⁹–10¹⁰ CFU/day. When combined with conventional therapies, they offer a promising strategy to mitigate antibiotic resistance and improve patient adherence, though further large scale studies are essential to determine optimal protocols.