Fluorescence in situ hybridization confirms clearance of visible Helicobacter spp. associated with gastritis in dogs and cats.
BACKGROUND
The results of studies examining the role of Helicobacter spp. in the pathogenesis of canine and feline gastritis are inconclusive. Furthermore, data evaluating the effectiveness of medical therapy for eradication of Helicobacter infection are limited.


OBJECTIVE
To detect Helicobacter spp. in mucosal biopsies of dogs and cats diagnosed with gastritis, with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).


METHODS
Three dogs and 2 cats with signs of chronic gastrointestinal disease.


METHODS
Dogs and cats infected with Helicobacter spp. were treated with triple antimicrobial therapy and fed an elimination diet for 21 days. Helicobacter spp. status in endoscopic (3 dogs, 1 cat) or surgical biopsies (1 cat) of gastric mucosa was compared pre- and posttreatment in each animal by histology, FISH analysis, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).


RESULTS
Gastritis of varying severity with intraglandular spiral bacteria was observed in all animals. Pretreatment diagnostic tests confirmed the presence of mucosal Helicobacter spp. in all animals by FISH and histopathology and in 4/5 animals by PCR. Rapid resolution of vomiting episodes was observed in all animals. Gastric biopsies performed after triple therapy revealed clearance of visible Helicobacter spp. by histopathology and negative FISH analysis, as well as PCR in all animals.


CONCLUSIONS
Application of FISH to routine biopsy specimens enabled rapid and specific identification of Helicobacter spp. within the gastric mucosa of dogs and cats. Although medical therapy was useful in resolution of clinical signs and clearance of visible Helicobacter spp. in gastric biopsies, gastric inflammation persisted.
Jergens
A E
AE
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA. ajergens@iastate.edu
Pressel
M
M
Crandell
J
J
Morrison
J A
JA
Sorden
S D
SD
Haynes
J
J
Craven
M
M
Baumgart
M
M
Simpson
K W
KW
D000658:Amoxicillin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001729:Bismuth / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D002415:Cats; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D004285:Dogs; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005756:Gastritis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000662:veterinary*; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence / Q000662:veterinary; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012459:Salicylates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D012459:Salicylates; D008795:Metronidazole; C015715:bismuth subsalicylate; D000658:Amoxicillin; D001729:Bismuth