Helicobacter heilmannii: An Emerging Zoonotic Pathogen and the Hidden Cause of Feline and Canine Gastritis
1.Introduction The Helicobacter genus comprises a wide range of bacteria that have adapted to survive in the extreme and acidic environment of the stomach. Though H. pylori is the primary focus of human gastroenterology, NHPH , including H. heilmannii , are increasingly recognized for their clinical relevance [1, 2].In domestic pets, H. heilmannii is notably prevalent in both symptomatic and clinically healthy animals. The zoonotic potential of H. heilmannii, or the ability to transmit the bacteria from pets to their owners, adds a multifaceted public health issue to the management of this microorganism. Though it is associated with chronic gastritis and even gastric cancer in humans, H. heilmannii is still an understudied microorganism in relation to the human-animal bond [1, 3]. 2. Prevalence and Pathogenesis in Pets It is a common inhabitant of the stomach of dogs and cats. Studies for its prevalence have yielded a range of 41 to 100 percent in healthy dogs and cats, and similar...