Alterations in the Gut Microbiota of Chinese Patients Following Helicobacter pylori Eradication with Bismuth-Based Quadruple Therapy

The aim of this study is to investigate the changes in gut microbiota before and after Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication, assess the structural distribution of gut colonies in individuals infected with Hp, and examine the alterations in gut microbiota following Hp eradication. 26 patients receiving standard quadruple therapy for Hp were enrolled. Fecal samples were collected before treatment and 56 days after. The gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing to assess changes in composition and diversity. While alpha diversity (within-sample) did not change significantly, beta diversity (between-sample composition) was significantly altered after Hp eradication. Changes were observed in the relative abundance and ratios of gut microbiota at both the phylum and genus levels. The metabolic pathways of the gut microbiota were less abundant following the treatment compared to the pre-eradication state. Hp eradication therapy leads to significant short-term changes in the structure, composition, and metabolic function of the gut microbiota.