[Helicobacter heilmanii, a spiral bacterium, in gastric mucosa biopsies]

Interest in possible microbiological causes of gastritis has increased significantly since the discovery of Helicobacter pylori (Hp). Recently a spiral bacterium named Helicobacter heilmannii (Hh) was described in association with chronic gastritis in adult and pediatric patients. Comparisons between these two organisms, as well as the literature on Hh, have also been reviewed. The incidence of Hh gastritis is far lower than that of Hp gastritis. Concomitant infections by Hh and Hp are very rare. It is very probable that Hh gastritis is transmitted from domestic animals or pets to humans. The frequency of Hh gastritis (11/6059 cases, 0.18%) in authors' material was similar to that reported in Western Europe. The role of touch cytology has been becoming more and more significant recently in the diagnosis of mucosal infections of the GIT.