Cats and Helicobacter

Takemura, L. S., P. L. Camargo, et al. (2009). "Helicobacter spp. in cats: association between infecting species and epithelial proliferation within the gastric lamina propria." J Comp Pathol 141(2-3): 127-34.

Helicobacter are bacteria that colonize the gastric lumen and duodenum. In humans, these bacteria have been linked to gastritis, gastric ulcers, and gastric adenocarcinomas. The prevalence of Helicobacter in cats is high, but it is not known if there is an associated risk of gastric lesions. In this study, gastric samples were collected from 23 cats; 18 with no clinical signs, and 5 that had chronic vomiting. Samples were assessed microscopically for epithelial changes, as well as by PCR for the organism. The bacteria were detected in 20 of the 23 cats, four of which were from the cats experiencing chronic vomiting. No correlation was found between gastric inflammation and level of Helicobacter colonization. Helicobacter colonization was associated with increased epithelial proliferation in the stomach; thus, the authors postulate, it could contribute to gastric cancers. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Greiter-Wilke, A., E. Scanziani, et al. (2006). "Association of Helicobacter with cholangiohepatitis in cats." J Vet Intern Med 20(4): 822-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

Bridgeford, E. C., R. P. Marini, et al. (2008). "Gastric Helicobacter species as a cause of feline gastric lymphoma: A viable hypothesis." Vet Immunol Immunopathol 123(1-2): 106-13.
>> Free, full text article

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Takemura, L. S., P. L. Camargo, et al. (2009). "Helicobacter spp. in cats: association between infecting species and epithelial proliferation within the gastric lamina propria." J Comp Pathol 141(2-3): 127-34.

Helicobacter are bacteria that colonize the gastric lumen and duodenum. In humans, these bacteria have been linked to gastritis, gastric ulcers, and gastric adenocarcinomas. The prevalence of Helicobacter in cats is high, but it is not known if there is an associated risk of gastric lesions. In this study, gastric samples were collected from 23 cats; 18 with no clinical signs, and 5 that had chronic vomiting. Samples were assessed microscopically for epithelial changes, as well as by PCR for the organism. The bacteria were detected in 20 of the 23 cats, four of which were from the cats experiencing chronic vomiting. No correlation was found between gastric inflammation and level of Helicobacter colonization. Helicobacter colonization was associated with increased epithelial proliferation in the stomach; thus, the authors postulate, it could contribute to gastric cancers. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Greiter-Wilke, A., E. Scanziani, et al. (2006). "Association of Helicobacter with cholangiohepatitis in cats." J Vet Intern Med 20(4): 822-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

Bridgeford, E. C., R. P. Marini, et al. (2008). "Gastric Helicobacter species as a cause of feline gastric lymphoma: A viable hypothesis." Vet Immunol Immunopathol 123(1-2): 106-13.
>> Free, full text article

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook

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Helicobacter and Lymphoma in Cats

Bridgeford, E. C., R. P. Marini, et al. (2008). "Gastric Helicobacter species as a cause of feline gastric lymphoma: A viable hypothesis." Vet Immunol Immunopathol 123(1-2): 106-13.

In humans and other animals, gastric Helicobacter spp. bacteria are associated with chronic inflammation. In this study, the relationship between Helicobacter heilmannii and gastric lymphoma in cats was examined. Gastric specimens were collected via biopsy or at necropsy from 47 pet cats with clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease, such as vomiting and anorexia. The specimens were characterized as gastritis (14/47), lymphoma (31/47), or normal (2/47). Staining for Helicobacter organisms was positive in 29 of the specimens. These tissues were then further examined to determine the Helicobacter species involved. Of the cats characterized as having lymphoblastic lymphoma, 13/17 were positive for H. heilmannii. The association between gastric lymphoma in cats and H. heilmannii infection requires further investigation, especially to evaluate the frequency and strain distribution of H. heilmanni in both well cats and those with gastric lymphoma using prospective studies.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Priestnall, S. L., B. Wiinberg, et al. (2004). "Evaluation of "Helicobacter heilmannii" subtypes in the gastric mucosas of cats and dogs." J Clin Microbiol 42(5): 2144-51.
>> Free full text article

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Bridgeford, E. C., R. P. Marini, et al. (2008). "Gastric Helicobacter species as a cause of feline gastric lymphoma: A viable hypothesis." Vet Immunol Immunopathol 123(1-2): 106-13.

In humans and other animals, gastric Helicobacter spp. bacteria are associated with chronic inflammation. In this study, the relationship between Helicobacter heilmannii and gastric lymphoma in cats was examined. Gastric specimens were collected via biopsy or at necropsy from 47 pet cats with clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease, such as vomiting and anorexia. The specimens were characterized as gastritis (14/47), lymphoma (31/47), or normal (2/47). Staining for Helicobacter organisms was positive in 29 of the specimens. These tissues were then further examined to determine the Helicobacter species involved. Of the cats characterized as having lymphoblastic lymphoma, 13/17 were positive for H. heilmannii. The association between gastric lymphoma in cats and H. heilmannii infection requires further investigation, especially to evaluate the frequency and strain distribution of H. heilmanni in both well cats and those with gastric lymphoma using prospective studies.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Priestnall, S. L., B. Wiinberg, et al. (2004). "Evaluation of "Helicobacter heilmannii" subtypes in the gastric mucosas of cats and dogs." J Clin Microbiol 42(5): 2144-51.
>> Free full text article

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More