Rapid detection of Helicobacter species from dogs and cats.

Abstract

Helicobacteriosis is worldwide infection caused by Helicobacter species. It affected both human and animals. The study investigates Helicobacter species in companion animals (dogs and cats) and its zoonotic and public health repertoire. Samples were collected from apparently healthy companion animals (70 dogs and 65 cats) and 70 human patients in contact with the companion animal from Cairo and Giza governorates. The samples included serum samples, faeces and stool samples and biopsies of gastric fundus fragments 5 mm approximately. All samples examined by culture, biochemical, serology and molecular identification. The study reveals 43.4% Helicobacter species by PCR. H. heilmannii is more predominant with ratio 16% and H. pylori reveals 6%, while all samples were negative for H. felis. All Helicobacter isolates were resistant to azithromycin, ceftazidime and kanamycin (100% each). While they were sensitive for clarithromycin (100%), tetracycline (95%), metronidazole (55%) and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (55%). In conclusion, dogs and cats are reservoir and play a major transmission route for human helicobacters infection.