Detection and isolation of Helicobacter mustelae from stoats in New Zealand.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the incidence of Helicobacter mustelae in stoats (Mustela erminea) in New Zealand.


METHODS
Helicobacter-like organisms and total genomic DNA were isolated from gastric tissue of stoats and identified using a combination of bacterial culture, phenotypic testing and molecular techniques.


RESULTS
A Helicobacter-specific 16S rRNA polymerase chain reaction product was detected in 16/32 gastric tissue biopsies tested. Nine of 13 partially sequenced 16S rRNA DNA identified H. mustelae 16S DNA. Bacteria, subsequently identified as H. mustelae, were successfully cultured from the stomachs of 4/32 stoats. Other Helicobacter species were also identified by DNA sequence analysis, but were not cultured.


CONCLUSIONS
Helicobacter mustelae is present in stoats from both the North and South Islands of New Zealand.
Forester
N T
NT
Institute of Molecular BioSciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand. natasha.forester@agresearch.co.nz
Lumsden
J S
JS
Parton
K
K
Cowan
P E
PE
O'Toole
P W
PW