Organobismuth Compounds: Activity against Helicobacter pylori

Abstract

Background and Methods: The antibacterial activity of originally devised and synthesized organobismuth compounds was tested against fresh clinical isolates of Helicobacter pylori and compared with clinically well-established inorganic bismuth salts currently used in triple antibacterial treatment to eradicate H. pylori. The test conditions in vitro were standard for determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Results: Organic compounds with covalently bound bismuth showed stronger and more consistent antibacterial activity than inorganic bismuth salts. Whereas the most active among the standard therapeutic inorganic compounds showed MICs against the test organisms of 4-8 mg/l (bismuth salicylate) and 0.5-64 mg/l, the most active neosynthesized organic substance, tris(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-bismuthine, consistently showed an MIC of 4 mg/l against all bacterial strains. Conclusions: The new line of organobismuth compounds might offer a therapeutic potential against the bacteria causing peptic ulcer disease.