Topographic mapping of Helicobacter pylori colonization in long-term-infected pigs.
Four barrier-born pigs were inoculated with Helicobacter pylori during gastroscopy. Infection in all pigs was established after 3 weeks, and the animals were kept isolated from other pigs in ordinary experimental sites. The pigs were sacrificed and examined 3, 5, 6, and 6.5 months postinoculation. A detailed urease mapping of the pig stomachs showed a patchy distribution of H. pylori. The bacteria colonized in all pigs, with a concentration of H. pylori-positive areas in the antrum and fundus. Furthermore, the number of colonized areas tended to increase with time, and some of these areas showed a strong urease reaction, indicating a heavy colonization with H. pylori. Biopsies from these areas contained 10(2) to 10(5) CFU per 2-mm-wide biopsy. We conclude that persistence of H. pylori infection in barrier-born pigs can be demonstrated for at least 6.5 months. The patchy distribution and the variability of viable bacteria were similar to those described for humans.
Engstrand
L
L
Department of Clinical Microbiology, Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden.
Rosberg
K
K
Hübinette
R
R
Berglindh
T
T
Rolfsen
W
W
Gustavsson
S
S
D000818:Animals; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000254:growth & development*; D013270:Stomach / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D013552:Swine; D014510:Urease / Q000032:analysis
D014510:Urease