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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
Mouse Models Of Helicobacter Infection And Gastric Pathologies
Published on: October 18, 2018
Helicobacter infection decreases reproductive performance of IL10-deficient mice
Julie M Sharp1, Deborah A Vanderford, Maciej Chichlowski
1Office of Animal Welfare Assurance, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
Abstract:
Infections with a variety of Helicobacter species have been documented in rodent research facilities, with variable effects on rodent health. Helicobacter typhlonius has been reported to cause enteric disease in immunodeficient and IL10(-/-) mice, whereas H. rodentium has only been reported to cause disease in immunodeficient mice coinfected with other Helicobacter species. The effect of Helicobacter infections on murine reproduction has not been well studied. The reproductive performance of C57BL/6 IL10(-/-) female mice intentionally infected with H. typhlonius, H. rodentium, or both was compared with that of age-matched uninfected controls or similarly infected mice that received antihelicobacter therapy. The presence of Helicobacter organisms in stool and relevant tissues was detected by PCR assays. Helicobacter infection of IL10(-/-) female mice markedly decreased pregnancy rates and pup survival. The number of pups surviving to weaning was greatest in noninfected mice and decreased for H. rodentium > H. typhlonius >> H. rodentium and H. typhlonius coinfected mice. Helicobacter organisms were detected by semiquantitative real-time PCR in the reproductive organs of a subset of infected mice. Treatment of infected mice with a 4-drug regimen consisting of amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, and omeprazole increased pregnancy rates, and pup survival and dam fecundity improved. We conclude that infection with H. typhlonius, H. rodentium, or both decreased the reproductive performance of IL10(-/-) mice. In addition, antihelicobacter therapy improved fecundity and enhanced pup survival.
Insights
Helicobacter infections significantly reduce pregnancy rates and pup survival in IL10(-/-) mice. Antibiotic therapy improved reproductive performance and pup survival in these mice.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Microbiology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Helicobacter species infections are common in rodent research facilities.
- Helicobacter typhlonius and Helicobacter rodentium can cause disease in immunodeficient mice.
- The impact of Helicobacter infections on murine reproduction is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Helicobacter typhlonius and Helicobacter rodentium infections on the reproductive performance of C57BL/6 IL10(-/-) female mice.
- To evaluate the efficacy of a multi-drug anti-helicobacter therapy in improving reproductive outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Female IL10(-/-) mice were intentionally infected with H. typhlonius, H. rodentium, or both.
- Reproductive performance was compared between infected and uninfected control groups.
- Infected mice received a 4-drug anti-helicobacter treatment regimen.
- Helicobacter presence was confirmed using PCR assays in stool and reproductive tissues.
Main Results:
- Helicobacter infection markedly decreased pregnancy rates and pup survival in IL10(-/-) mice.
- Reproductive success was inversely correlated with the severity of infection, with coinfection showing the greatest negative impact.
- Helicobacter organisms were detected in the reproductive organs of infected mice.
- Anti-helicobacter therapy significantly increased pregnancy rates, pup survival, and dam fecundity.
Conclusions:
- Infection with H. typhlonius, H. rodentium, or both impairs the reproductive performance of IL10(-/-) mice.
- Anti-helicobacter therapy is effective in restoring reproductive capacity and improving pup survival in infected mice.
- These findings highlight the importance of managing Helicobacter infections in research settings to ensure animal welfare and study integrity.
