Helicobacter Treatment in Pigs
Helicobacter bacteria are a genus of bacteria connected with stomach ulcers. Helicobacter heilmannii is specifically associated with swine but appears to be transmissible to dogs, cats and humans. Because of the association with the more severe Helicobacter pylori and the cross-species transmission, it is of some concern and being studied further.
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Helicobacter Bacteria
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There are many species of Helicobacter bacteria: varieties have been found in humans, cats, dogs, swine, sheep, ferrets, cheetahs and more. The most completely studied species is Helicobacter pylori, the primary cause of human stomach ulcers. Helicobacter pylori is also associated with cancers of the lower stomach. Because of the severity of problems caused by Helicobacter pylori, other Helicobacter bacteria are of concern and are under investigation.
Helicobacter Heilmannii
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Helicobacter heilmannii is a species of Helicobacter bacteria normally found in swine, dogs and cats. A spiral-shaped bacteria that propels itself with flagella, this bacteria resides in the mucous lining of the stomach and intestines. It is not clear to what degree this bacteria contributes to gastric ulcers in swine. It has also been found in human stomach ulcers, though in combination with Helicobacter pylori. The combination makes it unclear to what degree the Helicobacter heilmannii was involved in the ulcerative infection originally. Because there are indications that the bacteria is transmissible across species, however, it is of particular interest.
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Difficulties in Study
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Helicobacter heilmannii has proven difficult to culture, slowing progress on study of the bacteria. In vivo culture in mice and guinea pigs was a common alternate method of study. In 2008, Ghent University professor Dr. Freddy Haesebrouck announced that a new method of culturing the bacteria had been developed. Where most bacteria are destroyed by high levels of acid, Helicobacter heilmannii proved to require a culture method making use of a highly acidic growth medium. Thanks to the new culturing technique, further investigations should be possible to determine the best antibiotic treatment of the infection.
Treatment
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Helicobacter heilmannii is currently a comparatively minor concern in pigs. It is one of a collection of bacteria that can contribute to stomach ulceration and thus to stock loss, it is not easily diagnosed, nor is it clear that it is a particularly large problem for stock breeders. A patent for a vaccine to protect against a Helicobacter heilmannii was applied for in 2005, developed by Richard Ducatelle and Ann Hellemans, with the assignee being the University of Ghent. A successful vaccine would allow farmers to proceed on a preventive basis. Until that time when an infection is detected early enough, swine can be treated with transfusions and the antacid ranitidine (often sold under the trade name Zantac). Studies have been made regarding the effectiveness of amoxycillin and omeprazole using infected mice, otherwise prevention and treatment of symptoms appear to be the primary therapy commonly used at present.
Summary
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Helicobacter heilmannii is a common infection among swine, but insufficient evidence has been collected to establish it as a major problem in domestic stock. Therapy is currently limited, with prevention the primary concern. Because of the potential loss and the association with the more clearly understood dangers of Helicobacter pylori, and because of the ability of the bacteria to move across species, the bacteria is worth concern, however, and progress is being made in the study and treatment of the disease.
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- Photo Credit farm animals image by Zbigniew Nowak from Fotolia.com
