Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Helicobacter bizzozeronii infection in a girl with severe gastric disorders in México: case report
- Journal:
- BMC Pediatrics
- Year:
- 2023
- Authors:
- Ericka Montijo-Barrios et al.
- Affiliation:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Service, National Institute of Pediatrics · GB
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
This case report describes a 20-month-old girl in Mexico who had serious stomach problems caused by a type of bacteria called Helicobacter bizzozeronii, which is usually found in animals. She experienced symptoms like dark stools, stomach pain, and bloating. Doctors performed a procedure to look inside her stomach and found signs of inflammation and ulcers, but tests showed that she did not have the more common Helicobacter pylori bacteria. After treating her with a combination of medications for two weeks, along with additional treatment for six weeks, her symptoms improved significantly. While they couldn't confirm that the bacteria were completely gone, the improvement in her condition suggests that the treatment was effective.
Abstract
Abstract Background Gastric non-Helicobacter pylori helicobacters (NHPH) naturally colonize the stomach of animals. In humans, infection with these bacteria is associated with chronic active gastritis, peptic ulceration and MALT-lymphoma. H. bizzozeronii belongs to these NHPH and its prevalence in children is unknown. Case presentation This case report describes for the first time a NHPH infection in a 20-month-old girl with severe gastric disorders in Mexico. The patient suffered from melena, epigastric pain, and bloating. Gastroscopy showed presence of a Hiatus Hill grade I, a hemorrhagic gastropathy in the fundus and gastric body, and a Forrest class III ulcer in the fundus. Histopathologic examination revealed a chronic active gastritis with presence of long, spiral-shaped bacilli in the glandular lumen. Biopsies from antrum, body and incisure were negative for presence of H. pylori by culture and PCR, while all biopsies were positive for presence of H. bizzozeronii by PCR. Most likely, infection occurred through intense contact with the family dog. The patient received a triple therapy consisting of a proton pump inhibitor, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin for 14 days, completed with sucralfate for 6 weeks, resulting in the disappearance of her complaints. Conclusion The eradication could not be confirmed, although it was suggested by clear improvement of symptoms. This case report further emphasizes the zoonotic importance of NHPH. It can be advised to routinely check for presence of both H. pylori and NHPH in human patients with gastric complains.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-023-04142-7