Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Fluorescence in situ hybridization confirms clearance of visible Helicobacter spp. associated with gastritis in dogs and cats.
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary internal medicine
- Year:
- 2009
- Authors:
- Jergens, A E et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences · United States
Plain-English summary
In this study, researchers looked at three dogs and two cats that were diagnosed with gastritis, which is inflammation of the stomach lining, and showed signs of ongoing gastrointestinal issues. They used a special test to confirm the presence of Helicobacter bacteria, which can cause gastritis, and then treated the animals with a combination of three antibiotics and a special diet for three weeks. After treatment, all the pets showed a quick improvement in their vomiting, and follow-up tests showed that the Helicobacter bacteria were no longer visible in their stomach biopsies. However, even though the bacteria were cleared and the vomiting stopped, the inflammation in the stomach lining remained.
Abstract
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. AIM: To detect Helicobacter spp. in mucosal biopsies of dogs and cats diagnosed with gastritis, with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). ANIMALS: 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 AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: 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.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19175715/