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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
Mouse Models Of Helicobacter Infection And Gastric Pathologies
Published on: October 18, 2018
Helicobacter spp. in wild mice (Peromyscus leucopus) found in laboratory animal facilities
Melissa C Dyson1, Kathryn A Eaton, Cherie Chang
1Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. mcdyson@med.umich.edu
Abstract:
Wild rodents are a potential source for pathogen introduction into laboratory animal research facilities. A study was designed to assess wild mice found at our institution by infectious disease surveillance. Wild white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) were captured with live capture traps placed in areas in which wild mice had been reported in several animal facilities. Captured animals were euthanized by inhalation of CO(2), blood was collected by cardiocentesis (n = 10), and necropsy was performed (n = 8). Serum samples were negative for antibodies to mouse parvovirus (types 1 and 2), mouse minute virus, Sendai virus, pneumonia virus of mice, mouse hepatitis virus, Theiler murine encephalomyelitis virus, reovirus, rotavirus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, mouse adenovirus, ectromelia virus, K virus, cilia-associated respiratory bacillus, and Mycoplasma pulmonis. Of the 8 animals that were necropsied, pelt and cecal examinations were negative for ectoparasites and pinworms, respectively. Histopathologic examination of brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidney, spleen, stomach, and small intestine revealed bacteria morphologically compatible with Helicobacter spp. in the cecal and colonic glands and occasionally in the gastric lumen and pits. Mesenteric lymph nodes and feces from 8 of the animals were submitted for PCR analysis for the detection of mouse parvovirus, mouse minute virus, mouse hepatitis virus, and Helicobacter spp.; 7 of the samples were PCR-positive for Helicobacter spp. At this time, wild mice found in our animal facilities do not appear to be a significant source of common laboratory mouse viral pathogens. However, they are a potential source of Helicobacter infections.
Insights
Wild mice in research facilities may carry Helicobacter infections, posing a risk to lab animals. However, surveillance found they are not a significant source of common laboratory mouse viral pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Infectious Disease Surveillance
- Laboratory Animal Science
Background:
- Wild rodents can introduce pathogens into research facilities.
- Infectious disease surveillance is crucial for maintaining animal model integrity.
- White-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) are common wild rodents found near animal facilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of infectious agents in wild white-footed mice inhabiting laboratory animal research facility surroundings.
- To determine if wild mice pose a significant risk for introducing common viral pathogens to laboratory mouse colonies.
- To identify potential bacterial or parasitic infections carried by wild mice.
Main Methods:
- Live capture trapping of wild white-footed mice near animal facilities.
- Necropsy and histopathological examination of collected specimens.
- Serological testing for antibodies against a panel of common laboratory mouse viruses.
- PCR analysis of fecal and lymph node samples for specific viral and bacterial targets, including Helicobacter spp.
Main Results:
- Serum samples were negative for all tested viral antibodies and Mycoplasma pulmonis.
- Pelt and cecal examinations did not reveal ectoparasites or pinworms.
- Histopathology identified bacteria consistent with Helicobacter spp. in the gastrointestinal tract.
- PCR confirmed the presence of Helicobacter spp. in 7 out of 8 wild mice samples.
Conclusions:
- Wild mice in this study did not carry common laboratory mouse viral pathogens.
- Wild white-footed mice represent a potential reservoir for Helicobacter infections in research settings.
- Ongoing surveillance for specific agents like Helicobacter is recommended for wild rodents near animal facilities.
