Pathogens
Helicobacter spp.

Helicobacter spp.

Precautions

Standard Precautions

General Information

  • Detected mainly by PCR
  • Hard to culture

Fastidious, non-motile, spiral or curved, gram-negative organisms.

Numerous genera exist but they are generally classified as H. pylori or non-H. pylori Helicobacter (NHPH).

Helicobacter spp can be found in the stomach of a very high percentage of healthy dogs and cats. 

An association of infection with gastritis and follicular gland hyperplasia has been suggested but the true role in disease is unclear.

Clinical relevance is not well understood. Both H. pylori and NHPH have been suggested as having a role in gastritis.

Combination therapy is typically used, as is described in the Guideline section.

Helicobacter is typically susceptible to

  • Metronidazole
  • Macrolides (e.g. clarithromycin)
  • Amoxicillin

Doxycycline and fluoroquinolones may also be effective but these are not part of typical first line treatment regimens.