In the Krebs cycle of Helicobacter pylon, the absence of alpha-ketoglutarate Fate dehydrogenase and succinyl CoA synthetase are shown. Instead, alpha-ketoglutarate is converted to succinyl CoA and succinate by alpha-ketoglutarate oxidoreductase (KOR) and CoA transferase (CoAT). In the present study, when H. pylon transformed to the coccoid form, a viable but non-culturable form of H. pylori with reduced metabolic activity, the KOR activity was enhanced while the CoAT activity was reduced. Direct inactivation of KOR Could potently kill the bacteria without allowing conversion to the coccoid form, suggesting a novel treatment Strategy for the eradication of H. pylori, especially in cases infected with multiple antibiotic-resistant strains. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.