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Helicobacter canis colonization in sheep: a Zoonotic link
Alton G Swennes1, Michelle L Turk, Elise M Trowel
1Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
Helicobacter
|November 6, 2013
Summary
Sheep can be carriers of Helicobacter canis, a bacterium linked to diseases in pets and humans. This finding highlights sheep as potential reservoirs for zoonotic and foodborne transmission of H. canis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Zoonotic Disease Research
- Food Safety
Background:
- Helicobacter canis is a known pathogen causing gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary diseases in dogs, cats, and humans.
- Previous documentation of H. canis infection has been limited to these species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential for Helicobacter canis infection in sheep.
- To determine if sheep can act as reservoirs for H. canis.
Main Methods:
- Sheep fecal samples were cultured under microaerobic conditions.
- Isolates were identified using genus-specific PCR, restriction fragment length polymorphism, biochemical tests, and 16S rRNA sequencing.
Main Results:
- Helicobacter canis was successfully isolated from sheep feces.
- Molecular and biochemical analyses confirmed the identity of the isolates.
- These sheep-derived H. canis strains were found to be distinct from previously identified enterohepatic Helicobacter species from sheep.
Conclusions:
- Sheep are identified as a potential reservoir for Helicobacter canis.
- This discovery has implications for understanding zoonotic and foodborne transmission pathways of H. canis.
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