Version 1: Initial data on Helicobacter pylori resistance in Lebanon

There is a lack of data regarding the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant Helicobacter pylori isolates in Lebanon. Here, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of H. pylori infection and clarithromycin resistance in symptomatic patients with suspected peptic ulcers. Eighty-seven patients undergoing routine endoscopy screening for peptic ulcers were selected. Culture and Allplex™ H pylori and ClariR Assay were performed. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing for clarithromycin, tetracycline, levofloxacin, and rifampicin was performed using the E-test method. Overall, 32.2% (28/87) of the patients were found to be positive for H. pylori infection. Five isolates were resistant to clarithromycin, associated with specific point mutations of A2143G (4/5) or A2142G (1/5). The Allplex™ H pylori and ClariR Assay showed a higher sensitivity compared to the standard culture method. Our findings revealed that H. pylori clarithromycin and levofloxacin resistance emerged in Lebanon. The availability of such data is essential in monitoring antimicrobial resistance.