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Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Mouse Models Of Helicobacter Infection And Gastric Pathologies
Published on: October 18, 2018
Molecular characterization of Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from cynomolgus monkeys (M. fascicularis)
Sonia Q Doi1, Tara Kimbason, James Reindel
1Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Room A3075, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
Abstract:
We recently reported the occurrence of natural infection with H. pylori in a group of cynomolgus monkeys with chronic active gastritis and gastric erosions. The goal of the present study was to characterize and to compare strains isolated from animals originating from two different geographical areas. Gross and microscopic pathology determined at the time of necropsy was similar in all animals. H. pylori were isolated from specimens harvested in five monkeys (four from Vietnam and one from the Philippines) with gastritis. Isolates from monkeys bred in Vietnam had a similar DNA fingerprint pattern, which was distinct from that of isolates from a monkey bred in the Philippines. All strains were of the s1a vacA subtype, but all the 'Vietnamese' strains were cagA+ and all but one were iceA1 whereas the 'Philippino' strains were cagA- and iceA2. The sequences of the 16S rRNA of the Vietnamese and Philippino strains shared 98% homology and both clustered with H. pylori sequences present in the NCBI database. In conclusion, cynomolgus monkeys can be naturally colonized by H. pylori, and the strains isolated from these animals appear to vary according to the geographical origin, thus indicating probable infection prior to importation. Since some of the cynomolgus monkeys developed antral erosions during natural infection, we propose that this animal model may be used to investigate the role of H. pylori in ulcerogenesis.
Insights
Helicobacter pylori naturally infects cynomolgus monkeys, causing gastritis. Strains varied by geographic origin, suggesting pre-importation infection and a potential animal model for ulcer research.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common human pathogen.
- Natural H. pylori infection was previously identified in cynomolgus monkeys with gastritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize and compare H. pylori strains from cynomolgus monkeys from different geographical regions.
- To evaluate the potential of cynomolgus monkeys as an animal model for H. pylori-induced ulcerogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and DNA fingerprinting of H. pylori from infected monkeys.
- Analysis of virulence factors including vacA, cagA, and iceA subtypes.
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing for phylogenetic analysis.
Main Results:
- H. pylori was isolated from monkeys with gastritis, with distinct DNA fingerprint patterns between Vietnamese and Filipino isolates.
- Vietnamese strains were cagA+ and iceA1+, while Filipino strains were cagA- and iceA2.
- All strains shared high 16S rRNA homology and clustered with known H. pylori sequences.
Conclusions:
- Cynomolgus monkeys are naturally colonized by H. pylori, with strain characteristics varying by geographical origin.
- Geographical variation suggests H. pylori infection occurred prior to animal importation.
- The development of gastric erosions in infected monkeys supports their use as a model for studying H. pylori ulcerogenesis.
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