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Natural and experimental Helicobacter mustelae reinfection following successful antimicrobial eradication in ferrets
M Batchelder1, J G Fox, A Hayward
1Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 10239, USA.
Background:
Recrudescence or reinfection may occur after eradication of Helicobacter pylori in humans.
Materials And Methods:
We used the ferret Helicobacter mustelae model to investigate the effect of prior infection and eradication on reinfection by experimental and natural routes. Two groups of ferrets with naturally acquired H. mustelae infection were treated with an eradication protocol using amoxicillin, metronidazole, and bismuth subsalicylate. The ferrets were monitored for recrudescence by repeated cultures of endoscopic gastric mucosal biopsies. The ferrets were challenged at 17 months (group I) and 6 months (group II) after eradication with a strain of H. mustelae having a distinctive restriction endonuclease analysis pattern. The eradication protocol was repeated to eliminate the infection produced by experimental challenge. The ferrets were then cohoused intermittently with naturally infected ferrets.
Results:
The original H. mustelae infection was successfully eliminated by the eradication protocol. No recrudescence was observed in group I for 12 months nor for 3 months in group II after eradication. All ferrets became persistently reinfected with the challenge strain. The infection from the challenge strain was eradicated successfully. No ferrets in group I and all ferrets in group II became infected through cohousing.
Conclusions:
These results suggest that though prior infection with H. mustelae may confer some protection against reinfection, such protection is not universal in all circumstances; that susceptibility to reinfection by contact with infected animals varies between individuals; and that age may be a factor in this individual variability. These results are applicable to studies of reinfection after eradication of H. pylori in humans.
Insights
Prior Helicobacter mustelae infection offers limited protection against reinfection in ferrets. Individual susceptibility and age influence reinfection risk after eradication, relevant to Helicobacter pylori studies.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Recrudescence or reinfection can occur after successful eradication of Helicobacter pylori.
- Understanding reinfection dynamics is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of prior infection and eradication of Helicobacter mustelae on subsequent reinfection in a ferret model.
- To assess the efficacy of an eradication protocol and the potential for reinfection via experimental and natural routes.
Main Methods:
- Two groups of ferrets with naturally acquired H. mustelae infection underwent eradication therapy.
- Ferrets were challenged experimentally and exposed to naturally infected animals post-eradication.
- Repeated cultures monitored for recrudescence and reinfection.
Main Results:
- The eradication protocol successfully eliminated the initial H. mustelae infection.
- All ferrets became reinfected following experimental challenge.
- Susceptibility to reinfection through cohousing varied among individuals, with age potentially playing a role.
Conclusions:
- Prior H. mustelae infection provides incomplete protection against reinfection.
- Individual variability and age are significant factors influencing reinfection susceptibility.
- Findings offer insights into H. pylori reinfection dynamics in humans.