Gastric helicobacters in cats
P Lecoindre1, M Chevallier, S Peyrol
1Association Lyonnaise de Gastroentérologie Comparée, 50, rue Jeanne d'Arc, 69003 Lyon, France.
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
|November 22, 2001
Summary
Gastric helicobacter-like organisms (GHLOs) in cats, including Helicobacter felis, are genetically confirmed as Helicobacter species. Their role in feline gastric disease and potential transmission to humans remain under investigation.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Carnivorous pets, particularly cats, harbor gastric helicobacter-like organisms (GHLOs).
- These bacteria are microaerophilic, Gram-negative, spiral organisms with urease activity, enabling survival in acidic environments.
- Common feline GHLOs include Helicobacter felis and a Helicobacter heilmannii-related species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To classify GHLOs found in carnivorous pets.
- To investigate the potential role of these bacteria in feline gastric conditions.
- To explore the possibility of zoonotic transmission from pets to humans.
Main Methods:
- Phenotypic characterization of GHLOs.
- Genotypic analysis using 16S RNA gene sequencing.
- Review of existing literature on Helicobacter infections in animals and humans.
Main Results:
- Phenotypic and genotypic data confirm that common feline GHLOs belong to the genus Helicobacter.
- Helicobacter pylori infection identified in cats suggests a potential animal reservoir for this human pathogen.
- The causal role of Helicobacter species in feline gastric inflammation is currently unknown.
Conclusions:
- Feline GHLOs are confirmed members of the Helicobacter genus.
- The potential for Helicobacter transmission between cats and humans warrants further research.
- The pathogenicity of Helicobacter species in cats requires additional investigation.
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