Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Helicobacter”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 865 records · Page 48Linked to original sources

Novel Helicobacter species isolated from rhesus monkeys with chronic idiopathic colitis.

Chronic, idiopathic diffuse colitis is a well recognised clinical and pathological entity in captive rhesus monkeys. Six rhesus monkeys were diagnosed with clinically debilitating, chronic diarrhoea. Histologically, colonic tissues were characterised as chronic, moderate to severe colitis and typhlitis, with diffuse mononuclear inflammation of lamina propria, reactive lymphoid hyperplasia and multifocal micro-abscesses. Colonic tissues were cultured for Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp.; all results were negative. Samples were negative for Clostridium difficile A and B toxins, and special stains of colonic tissue for acid-fast bacteria were also negative. The six diarrhoeic monkeys tested gave negative results for serum IgG antibodies to herpes B virus, STLV, SRV and SIV. Colonic tissue from the six diarrhoeic and two clinically normal monkeys with histologically confirmed colitis from the same colony were also subjected to micro-aerobic culture. Micro-aerobic cultures from all eight monkeys incubated at 37 degrees C and 42 degrees C revealed pinpoint or spreading colonies on antibiotic-containing media. Bacteria were identified as gram-negative, oxidase positive and urease negative. Of the nine strains characterised biochemically, two separate biotypes (corresponding to different species by 16S rRNA analysis) were identified. One biotype (type 1), from non-diarrhoeic monkeys and the second biotype (type 2) from diarrhoeic animals with subclinical chronic colonic inflammation, differed by catalase activity, ability to reduce nitrate to nitrite and sensitivity to cephalothin. Complete 16S rRNA analysis of five of the nine strains characterised biochemically indicated that the organisms isolated were two novel Helicobacter spp. By electron microscopy, these novel helicobacters had spiral morphology with bipolar sheathed flagella. This is the first report describing the isolation of novel Helicobacter spp. from inflamed colons of rhesus monkeys. Studies are needed to determine whether these novel Helicobacter spp. play a causal role in the initiation and progression of chronic colitis in macaques. Further microbiological and histological analysis of this chronic idiopathic colitis syndrome in macaques may prove useful in understanding the aetiology and pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease in man.

Animals↗

Helicobacter pullorum sp. nov.-genotype and phenotype of a new species isolated from poultry and from human patients with gastroenteritis.

Campylobacter-like organisms were isolated from the liver, duodenum and caecum of broiler and layer chickens, and from humans with gastroenteritis. They formed a unique DNA homology group and a polyphasic taxonomic analysis was made of 16 strains. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the 16S rRNA gene from seven of the strains identified them as belonging to a single species, within the genus Helicobacter. This conclusion was supported by the studies of relative DNA homology and of total protein electrophoretic patterns. The new species could be biochemically differentiated from other helicobacters and its ultrastructure in the electron microscope was typical of the genus except that the flagellum was not sheathed. We propose the name Helicobacter pullorum sp. nov. for this group. Like H. fennelliae or H. cinaedi it represents another non-gastric urease-negative Helicobacter species colonizing the lower bowel. Its isolation from the livers of chickens with vibrionic hepatitis is significant. We describe a species-specific PCR assay for H. pullorum sp. nov. which will facilitate its identification and further studies of its epidemiology.

Animals↗

Enterohepatic Helicobacter species isolated from the ileum, liver and colon of a baboon with pancreatic islet amyloidosis.

Microaerobic bacteria were isolated from a baboon with pancreatic islet amyloidosis and hepatitis. Phenotypic and molecular analyses identified two distinct helicobacters. Analyses of 16S rRNA demonstrated "Helicobacter macacae" in the ileum and liver, and Helicobacter cinaedi in the colon. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report describing the isolation of enterohepatic Helicobacter species from a baboon.

Amyloidosis↗

Isolation of Helicobacter pylori from the intestinal mucosa of patients with Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter species are associated with inflammatory bowel disease in rodents and in nonhuman primates. Therefore, we prospectively investigated the presence of Helicobacter species in the intestinal mucosa of patients with and without Crohn's disease by culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mucosal fragments were obtained from the ileum, different colon regions, and rectum of 43 patients with Crohn's disease and of 74 patients without inflammatory bowel disease. RESULTS: Helicobacter pylori strains, identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, were more frequently isolated and PCR-detected in the intestinal mucosa of patients with ulcerative colitis-like Crohn's disease than in intestinal mucosa of the control group. Otherwise, anti-H. pylori immunoglobulin G levels were significantly lower in fibrostenosing and fistulating Crohn's disease subgroups. No other Helicobacter species were found in the intestinal mucosa of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although our results suggest an association between the presence of H. pylori in the intestine and ulcerative colitis-like phenotype of Crohn's disease, H. pylori infection in the actual causality of Crohn's disease is still to be determined.

Adolescent↗

Review article: Helicobacter species and in vivo models of gastrointestinal cancer.

Although gastric cancer is an uncommon spontaneous neoplasm of laboratory animal species, rodents, and to a lesser extent other animals, have been used in chemically induced gastric carcinogenesis studies for decades. The role of diet in preventing or promoting gastric cancer has also been addressed in animal models. With the discovery of Helicobacter pylori and its causative role in gastric disease in humans, several animal models have been described for Helicobacter spp.-induced gastric disease, and in selected models, development of gastric and hepatic cancer. This review has attempted to highlight salient features of Helicobacter models and how these observations may be interpreted in light of data obtained from chemical carcinogenesis and nutritional studies. Further insight into mechanisms of Helicobacter-induced cancer should evolve by combining and comparing relevant features of these in vivo models.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Association between Helicobacter pylori infection and acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy.

The aim of this study was to investigate a possible association between Helicobacter pylori infection and acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP). Of 17 consecutive patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), 13 patients (six females; mean age 50 +/- 24 years) with AIDP were investigated. Clinical status was evaluated according to Hughes' score, and electrophysiological tests were performed within 2 weeks from disease onset. Helicobacter pylori infection was detected histologically and serum H. pylori-specific IgG antibodies were analysed by ELISA. Twenty asymptomatic patients (12 females; mean age 63 +/- 8 years), undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for investigation of mild iron deficiency anaemia, served as controls. Helicobacter pylori was found in 12 of 13 AIDP patients (92%), and in 10 of 20 controls (50%), (P = 0.02). Electrophysiological studies showed demyelination in all AIDP patients. High levels of anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies correlated with advanced clinical status. Five of seven AIDP patients with high levels of anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies had delayed F-wave latencies, indicating affection of proximal segments of peripheral nerves. Helicobacter pylori infection seems to be more frequent in AIDP patients. Anti-H. pylori titre might reflect advanced clinical status. Anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies are also associated with involvement of the proximal parts of peripheral nerves in AIDP.

Adolescent↗

In vitro growth inhibition of Helicobacter pylori by lactobacilli belonging to the Lactobacillus plantarum group.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to test and locate the in vitro anti-Helicobacter activity of seven Lactobacillus strains belonging to Lactobacillus plantarum group. METHODS AND RESULTS: Growth inhibition of H. pylori was tested using a well-plate assay. Of the strains displaying the strongest growth inhibition, a L. plantarum isolated from sauerkraut (MLBPL1) was chosen for further studies. The detected anti-Helicobacter activity of MLBPL1 was mainly associated with cell wall, and to a minor extent with the culture supernatant. The active component, which was determined to be between 3 and 10 kDa in size, retained its activity after 10 min treatment at 100 degrees C. The activity was present when MLBPL1 was cultivated in rich laboratory cultivation medium MRS and in different food matrices. CONCLUSIONS: The strains belonging to L. plantarum group showed anti-Helicobacter activity in vitro. The main activity seemed to be associated with cell wall rather than culture supernatant or intracellular fraction. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: In view of the rapid spread of resistant H. pylori strains caused by antibiotic therapy, addition of a fermented food containing L. plantarum to the conventional antibiotic treatment of Helicobacter infection could establish a potential complementary means to suppress the infection.

Fermentation↗

Promotion of ulcerative duodenitis in young ferrets by oral immunization with Helicobacter mustelae and muramyl dipeptide.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine whether oral immunization of ferret kits with a whole-cell sonicate of Helicobacter mustelae lysate (Hml) and the adjuvant muramyl dipeptide (MDP) would reduce the incidence of natural colonization with H. mustelae and the extent of Helicobacter-associated gastritis by enhancing the host mucosal immune response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between the ages of 4 and 11 weeks, 44 ferret kits were gavaged with Hml and various doses of MDP. The extent of gastritis and duodenitis and the immune response to H. mustelae were evaluated. RESULTS: All kits became colonized naturally with H. mustelae and the majority developed mild to severe gastritis and duodenitis. Kits that received Hml with MDP developed significantly greater inflammation of the gastric antrum and duodenum, as compared to kits vaccinated with Hml alone. Vaccination with Hml and 50 micrograms of MDP was associated with severe lesions in the proximal duodenum characterized by accumulation of mononuclear inflammatory cells, mucosal erosion, and ulceration. Although serum antibody specific for H. mustelae in 4-week-old kits was approximately 50% of adult levels, a finding attributable to passively acquired maternal antibody, both systemic and mucosal antibody levels became depressed over time despite oral vaccination. The humoral immune response was sufficiently low to prevent detection of any significant dose effect of MDP on antibody levels among experimental groups. CONCLUSIONS: Oral vaccination of young ferrets with Hml and 50 micrograms MDP increased the risk of Helicobacter-associated mucosal ulceration in the proximal duodenum, which was associated with low humoral (but significant cell-mediated) immune responses to H. mustelae. In retrospect, the frequency of vaccination may have suppressed the systemic humoral immune response, thereby promoting mucosal damage by H. mustelae. The 50-microgram dose of MDP enhanced the cell-mediated immune response, which indirectly contributed to development of severe lesions. The increased frequency of mucosal damage associated with this vaccination regimen enhances the value of the ferret model for studying duodenal ulceration secondary to Helicobacter infection.

Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine↗

Clostridium difficile colitis associated with treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Helicobacter pylori infection of the stomach is being detected and treated more often now than ever before. This is likely to result in an increase in complications such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea. However, there is no literature on the incidence of such diarrhea, particularly Clostridium difficile colitis, in patients treated for Helicobacter pylori infection. We report the case of a patient who developed Clostridium difficile colitis after treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection with metronidazole, amoxicillin, H2 blockers, and bismuth subsalicylate. This patient presented with severe diarrhea that responded to a course of metronidazole with rapid disappearance of symptoms. The incidence of Clostridium difficile colitis in patients treated for Helicobacter pylori infection has not been studied. This unique association, although not unexpected, has not yet been reported in the literature. The increasing number of patients being diagnosed and treated for this infection requires a heightened awareness on the part of physicians, to assure early diagnosis and treatment of this treatable, yet potentially dangerous, complication.

Aged↗

Accelerated decline in Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence rate during the screen and treat project in Vammala, Finland, as demonstrated in 29- to 45-year-old pregnant women.

The potential preventability of serious helicobacter-associated diseases - especially gastric cancer - has evoked interest in eradicating this pathogen from the population. We assessed the efficacy of the pioneering screen and treat intervention project in Vammala by studying helicobacter seroprevalence in pregnant women representing the normal population. Consecutive maternity clinic samples from native Finnish females at five different localities in 1995 (n=701) and 2000 (n=772) were investigated for class IgG H. pylori antibodies by enzyme immunoassay (Pyloriset EIA-G III, Orion Diagnostica, Espoo, Finland). In Vammala the change in helicobacter seroprevalence was -13%-units (between 1995 and 2000; p=0.0125, chi-square test) in > or =29-year-old females, +1.6%-units (difference statistically non-significant) in <29-year-old females, and -5.5%-units (difference statistically non-significant) in the whole study population. In the four reference localities studied, all the corresponding changes remained statistically non-significant. Thus, in Vammala the programme applied accelerated the decline of helicobacter infections in 29- to 45-year-old females and in 2000 the seroprevalence rate had also become significantly lower than that of the four reference communities combined (7.6% versus 13.5%, respectively, p=0.0433, chi-square test). The final outcome of the intervention project, i.e. the long-term effect of this decline on gastric cancer and peptic ulcer disease, remains to be evaluated.

Adult↗

Presence of active aliphatic amidases in Helicobacter species able to colonize the stomach.

Ammonia production is of great importance for the gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori as a nitrogen source, as a compound protecting against gastric acidity, and as a cytotoxic molecule. In addition to urease, H. pylori possesses two aliphatic amidases responsible for ammonia production: AmiE, a classical amidase, and AmiF, a new type of formamidase. Both enzymes are part of a regulatory network consisting of nitrogen metabolism enzymes, including urease and arginase. We examined the role of the H. pylori amidases in vivo by testing the gastric colonization of mice with H. pylori SS1 strains carrying mutations in amiE and/or amiF and in coinfection experiments with wild-type and double mutant strains. A new cassette conferring resistance to gentamicin was used in addition to the kanamycin cassette to construct the double mutation in strain SS1. Our data indicate that the amidases are not essential for colonization of mice. The search for amiE and amiF genes in 53 H. pylori strains from different geographic origins indicated the presence of both genes in all these genomes. We tested for the presence of the amiE and amiF genes and for amidase and formamidase activities in eleven Helicobacter species. Among the gastric species, H. acinonychis possessed both amiE and amiF, H. felis carried only amiF, and H. mustelae was devoid of amidases. H. muridarum, which can colonize both mouse intestine and stomach, was the only enterohepatic species to contain amiE. Phylogenetic trees based upon the sequences of H. pylori amiE and amiF genes and their respective homologs from other organisms as well as the amidase gene distribution among Helicobacter species are strongly suggestive of amidase acquisition by horizontal gene transfer. Since amidases are found only in Helicobacter species able to colonize the stomach, their acquisition might be related to selective pressure in this particular gastric environment.

Amidohydrolases↗

Helicobacter hepaticus sp. nov., a microaerophilic bacterium isolated from livers and intestinal mucosal scrapings from mice.

A bacterium with a spiral shape and bipolar, single, sheathed flagella was isolated from the livers of mice with active, chronic hepatitis. The bacteria also colonized the cecal and colonic mucosae of mice. The bacterium grew at 37 degrees C under microaerophilic and anaerobic conditions, rapidly hydrolyzed urea, was catalase and oxidase positive, reduced nitrate to nitrite, and was resistant to cephalothin metronidazole. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the organism was classified as a novel helicobacter, Helicobacter hepaticus. This new helicobacter, like two other murine Helicobacter species, H. muridarum and "H. rappini," is an efficient colonizer of the gastrointestinal tract, but in addition, it has the pathogenic potential to elicit persistent hepatitis in mice.

Animals↗

Use of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to determine genomic diversity in strains of Helicobacter hepaticus from geographically distant locations.

In 1992 a helical microorganism associated with chronic active hepatitis and a high incidence of hepatocellular tumors was identified in the hepatic parenchyma of A/JCr mice. By using biochemical tests, phenotypic characterization, and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the organism was classified as a novel Helicobacter species and named Helicobacter hepaticus. Recent surveys completed in our laboratory indicate that H. hepaticus is widespread in academic and commercial mouse colonies. The aim of this study was to examine the H. hepaticus genome by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to determine the degree of genomic variation and genomic size. This technique has been used to identify significant genomic diversity among strains of Helicobacter pylori and to demonstrate only slight genomic diversity among strains of Helicobacter mustelae. Genomic DNAs from 11 isolates of H. hepaticus from the United States, Germany, France, and The Netherlands were subjected to PFGE after digestion with SmaI. Isolates from three independent sources within the United States had very similar PFGE patterns, suggesting that the genomic DNAs of these isolates are conserved. Genomic DNA isolated from a fourth source within the United States had a PFGE pattern different from those of the other U.S. isolates. Isolates obtained from Germany, France, and The Netherlands had PFGE patterns that differed markedly from those of the U.S. isolates and from one another. The use of DNA fingerprinting may be useful in subsequent epidemiological studies of H. hepaticus when the source and method of spread of this murine pathogen need to be ascertained. By PFGE, the genomic size of H. hepaticus is estimated to be roughly 1.3 Mb, which compares to 1.67 Mb for H. pylori and 1.7 Mb for H. mustelae.

Animals↗

Identification of a unique Helicobacter species by 16S rRNA gene analysis in an abdominal abscess from a patient with X-linked hypogammaglobulinemia.

A unique Helicobacter species, MZ640285, was isolated from a patient with X-linked hypogammaglobulinemia suffering from recurrent abdominal abscesses and was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. In the phylogenetic tree, the isolate fell into a cluster which included Flexispira rappini, Helicobacter bilis, and Helicobacter sp. strain Mainz. Helicobacters are being increasingly recognized as pathogens in immunocompromised hosts. These fastidious bacteria are not easily cultured in the routine diagnostic laboratory, and this is the first report of their identification by 16S rRNA gene sequencing performed directly from a clinical specimen.

Abdominal Abscess↗

Specific detection and prevalence of Helicobacter heilmannii-like organisms in the human gastric mucosa by fluorescent in situ hybridization and partial 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing.

Gastric infection with Helicobacter heilmannii (previously known as Gastrospirillum hominis) is invariably linked with the presence of chronic gastritis and the risk of developing low-grade mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma in humans. In contrast to Helicobacter pylori, various H. heilmannii species colonize the stomachs of domestic animals, which might be a reservoir for transmission to humans (zoonosis). To identify the number and prevalence of different H. heilmanni types in humans, we analyzed 89 gastric biopsy samples histologically identified as H. heilmannii positive by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Of these gastric specimens, 84 (94.4%) contained a single H. heilmannii type. In five samples, however, two different H. heilmannii types were detected. The most prevalent species in monoinfected samples is H. heilmannii type 1, found in 78.5% (66 of 84) of the specimens, followed by a novel H. heilmannii-like organism (HHLO), HHLO type 4, identified in 9.6% (8 of 84) of tissue sections. H. heilmannii type 2 and a further HHLO type not described before, type 3, were found in 8.3% (7 of 84) and 1.2% (1 of 84) of the monoinfected samples, respectively. Additionally, HHLO type 5 with a 16S ribosomal DNA sequence identical to that of Helicobacter salomonis was found with a prevalence of 2.4% (2 of 89). Thirteen of these biopsy samples were also investigated by a PCR approach developed for this study that allows a Helicobacter-specific amplification of a variable portion of the 16S rRNA gene and subsequent sequencing. In total, five different types of HHLOs could be identified within these samples. We conclude that humans can be infected by at least five different HHLO types, which presumably have their origin in animal species like dogs, cats, and pigs.

Biopsy↗

Genotypic identification of erythromycin-resistant campylobacter isolates as helicobacter species and analysis of resistance mechanism.

The correct identification of Campylobacter species remains cumbersome, especially when conventional biochemical tests and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns are used for a phenotypical identification. Correct identification is important for epidemiological purposes and for studying changes in antimicrobial resistance patterns. Six erythromycin-resistant campylobacter strains were investigated by 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequencing, 23S rDNA sequencing, and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of a putative heme-copper oxidase domain described as being specific for thermophilic Campylobacter species. Three erythromycin-resistant isolates from feces of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive patients with diarrhea and one blood isolate of from HIV-seropositive patient with cellulitis were identified by 16S rDNA analysis as Helicobacter cinaedi, whereas 23S rDNA sequencing suggested Wolinella succinogenes. The 16S rDNA sequence data of fecal isolates of two patients with travelers diarrhea revealed Helicobacter pullorum and were also in contrast with 23S rDNA sequencing. Of 4 H. cinaedi isolates, 1 contained the putative heme-copper oxidase gene thought to be specific for thermophilic species. The six erythromycin-resistant Helicobacter species had a similar point mutation A2143G in 23S rDNA resembling the macrolides resistance in Helicobacter pylori. We conclude that 16S rDNA sequencing should be preferred to 23S rDNA analysis and that macrolide-resistant campylobacter strains should be investigated by this approach for a correct identification.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Gastric mucosal barrier: evidence for Helicobacter pylori ingesting gastric surfactant and deriving protection from it.

Ultrastructural examination by electron microscopy has been undertaken on human oxyntic mucosa from biopsy specimens obtained during diagnostic endoscopy from patients in whom infection by Helicobacter pylori was subsequently confirmed. A novel fixation procedure was used that avoided conventional fixatives based upon glutaraldehyde, which can destroy the hydrophobic lining of surfaces such as gastric mucosa. The resulting electron micrographs show densely osmiophilic inclusions of varying sizes in Helicobacter, some of which can be resolved and identified as lamellar bodies and their partially digested states. This finding indicates that Helicobacter may act as an aggressive agent by ingesting a gastric mucosal barrier of gastric surfactant, exposing the surface to attack by acid while simultaneously rendering it less hydrophobic. There is also evidence that Helicobacter pylori avoid their own digestion by coating themselves with essentially the same barrier of gastric surfactant, probably derived from the host. This is a possible explanation for the apparent absence of these bacteria in the duodenum.

Cell Wall↗

Prospective relations between Helicobacter pylori infection, coronary heart disease, and stroke in middle aged men.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether Helicobacter pylori, a chronic bacterial infection often acquired in childhood, is associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke later in life. DESIGN: Nested case-control study. SETTING: Prospective study of cardiovascular disease in men aged 40-59 years at entry (1978-1980) in 24 British towns. SUBJECTS: 135 cases of myocardial infarction and 137 cases of stroke occurring before December 1991; 136 controls were identified, frequency matched to cases by town and age group. METHODS: Serum samples stored at entry were analysed by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for the presence of H pylori specific IgG antibodies. RESULTS: 95 of the myocardial infarction cases (70%) and 93 (68%) of the stroke cases were seropositive for H pylori compared with 78 (57%) of the controls (odds ratio for myocardial infarction 1.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06 to 2.95, P = 0.03; odds ratio for stroke 1.57, 95% CI 0.95 to 2.60, P = 0.07). Helicobacter pylori infection was associated with manual social class, residence in Northern England or Scotland, cigarette smoking, higher systolic pressure and blood glucose, and a lower height-standardised forced expiratory volume in one second. Adjustment for these factors attenuated the relation between H pylori and myocardial infarction (odds ratio = 1.31, 95% CI 0.70 to 2.43, P = 0.40) and effectively abolished the relation with stroke (odds ratio = 0.96, 0.46 to 2.02, P = 0.92). The relation between helicobacter infection and fatal myocardial infarction was slightly stronger (odds ratio 2.41, 95% CI 1.13 to 5.12) but was also markedly attenuated after adjustment (1.56, 95% CI 0.68 to 3.61). CONCLUSION: In this prospective study the association between Helicobacter pylori infection and increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke was substantially confounded by the relation between this infection, adult social class, and major cardiovascular risk factors.

Adult↗