PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What is the standard treatment regimen for H. pylori infection?

1. 1-week antibiotic course only

2. 2-week antibiotic regimen

3. Dietary changes only

4. Immediate surgery

The correct answer is: 2-week antibiotic regimen

The standard treatment regimen for H. pylori infection typically involves a combination of antibiotics and acid-suppressing medications, which is often structured over a 10 to 14-day period. This approach is crucial for effectively eradicating the bacteria, as H. pylori has developed resistance to many antibiotics, and a more extended course increases the likelihood of successful treatment. A 2-week antibiotic regimen is specifically designed to address these challenges by utilizing multiple antibiotics alongside a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or other acid-reducing medications to enhance the effectiveness of the antibiotics and promote healing of the stomach lining. This is more effective than a shorter 1-week course, as it gives the antibiotics more time to eliminate the bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract. Dietary changes alone are not sufficient for treating H. pylori infections, as they do not address the root cause, which is the presence of the infection itself. Surgical interventions are reserved for complications arising from H. pylori, such as ulcers that do not heal or issues related to malignancy, rather than being a primary treatment option. Therefore, the comprehensive and effective standard treatment for H. pylori combines a robust antibiotic regimen lasting 2 weeks, making it the appropriate choice.