Therapeutic efficacy of amoxicillin and rifaximin in patients with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and Helicobacter pylori infection

INTRODUCTION: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may coexist with Helicobacter pylori infection, which can be the cause of chronic gastrointestinal complaints. AIM: Evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of amoxicillin and rifaximin in the treatment of these diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The lactulose hydrogen breath test (LHBT) and the urea breath test ((13)C-UBT) were performed in 116 patients. In 62 patients the coexistence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and H. pylori infection was observed. Then, in group I (n = 30) pantoprazole (2 × 40 mg), amoxicillin (2 × 1000 mg) and metronidazole (2 × 500 mg) and in group II (n = 32) pantoprazole and amoxicillin at the above doses and rifaximin (3 × 400 mg) were administered for 10 days. After 6 weeks, both breath tests were repeated and the degree of remission of symptoms was measured using a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: After the treatment the LHBT index decreased in group I from 61.2 ±19.4 ppm to 22.0 ±8.2 ppm (p < 0.001) and in group II from 59.6 ±15.5 ppm to 15.2 ±8.6 ppm (p < 0.001). Eradication of H. pylori ((13)C-UBT below 4.0‰) was achieved in 63.3% of patients in group I and 59.4% in group II (p > 0.05). The decrease of pain below 3.0 points in the VAS was obtained in 64.8% of patients in group I and in 56.2% in group II. CONCLUSIONS: Combination of amoxicillin and rifaximin may be effective in the treatment of patients with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome and concomitant H. pylori infection.