Localization of <it>Helicobacter </it>spp. in the fundic mucosa of laboratory Beagle dogs: an ultrastructural study

• Main Authors: Lanzoni Anna, Faustinelli Ivo, Cristofori Patrizia, Luini Mario, Simpson Kenneth W, Scanziani Eugenio, Recordati Camilla
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2011-03-01
• Series: Veterinary Research
• Online Access: http://www.veterinaryresearch.org/content/42/1/42
• ISSN: 0928-4249; 1297-9716

<p>Abstract</p> <p>In dogs <it>Helicobacter </it>spp. are found in all gastric regions usually localized in the surface mucus, gastric glands and parietal cells. The aim of this study was to detail the distribution of <it>Helicobacter </it>spp. in the fundic mucosa of asymptomatic Beagle dogs and their intracellular localization within parietal cells, in order to evaluate species-specific pathogenetic effects on gastric cells. The presence of <it>Helicobacter </it>spp. was investigated by immunohistochemistry, TEM, and PCR in the fundic mucosa of six Beagle dogs. <it>Helicobacter </it>spp. were found in all dogs examined, and <it>H. bizzozeronii </it>and <it>H. felis </it>were identified by PCR and confirmed by TEM. In the lumen of the fundic glands, co-localization was common. <it>H. bizzozeronii </it>was present in larger numbers than <it>H. felis </it>in both intraluminal and intraparietal localization. The amounts of <it>H. bizzozeronii </it>were similar in superficial and basal portions of the glands. <it>H. felis </it>was predominantly localized in the superficial portions of gastric glands but almost absent from the base. Within parietal cells, most <it>Helicobacter </it>organisms were intracanalicular, but intact and degenerate <it>Helicobacter </it>organisms were also visualized free in the cytoplasm or in secondary lysosomes. No specific degenerative lesions were found in infected parietal cells. <it>Helicobacter </it>organisms were also observed within macrophages in the lamina propria. In conclusion, there is a differential distribution of <it>H. bizzozeronii </it>and <it>H. felis </it>in the fundic mucosa of Beagle dogs, and their intracellular localization in parietal cells and macrophages suggests novel pathogenic scenarios for the development of immune response and maintenance of chronic gastritis in dogs.</p>