Helicobacter Flashcards
Yr first observed & in what part of body
1983; stomachs of type B gastritis patients
Former name of helicobacter
Campylobacter pyloridis
3 important human pathogens
- H. Pylori (No animal reserve)
- H. Cinaedi (humans & rodents)
- H. Fenneliae (human & rodents)
Characteristics
- gram -ve
- spiral, s-shape; sometimes rods
- corkscrew motility
- microaerophilic
- multiple flagella
Why are their multiple flagella so important
- virulence factor
- help w/ burrowing, resisting acidic envir., and urease
Best growing conditions
- blood & chocolate agar
- after incubation for 2-5 days
What type of motility is seen in Helicobacter?
Corkscrew motility
Why is helicobacter so important?
- most reported species in human GIT infections
- zoonotic
Which species is Helicobacter most important in?
Dogs and cats
Main characteristic differences between campylobacter and helicobacter?
Characteristics of H. Pylori
- gram -ve
- Spiral and rod shaped
- corkscrew motility
- multiple flagella
- virulence factors
List the virulence factors of H. Pylori
- multiple flagella (burrowing)
- can live in extreme acidity
- enzyme urease (weakens acidity)
H. Pylori affects
Humans
H. Canis, H. Felis, H. Heilmannii, and H bizzozeronii affect
Dogs and cats
Symptoms of helicobacter infection in animals
- vomiting
- dehydration
- poor appetite
- bowel sounds
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- weakness
- sudden death
4 ways to test for Helicobacter infection
- endoscopic and gastric biopsy
- stool antigen test
- stool PCR test
- Urea breath test
Stool antigen test
- most common to detect H. Pylori
- looks for antigens assc. W/ H. Pylori infection
Urea breath test
- gold standard test in diagnosing H. Pylori
Treatment for helicobacter infections
- recommended antibiotics: amoxicillin, tetracycline, metronidazole, bismuth subsalicylate
- proton-pump inhibitors (omeprazole)
- H2-receptor blockers (famotidine)
(All for 2-3 weeks)
