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===Overview===
===Overview===
''Helicobacter spp.'' are related to [[:Category:Campylobacter species|''Campylobacter'']] species and ''Arcobacter'' species and are pathogens affecting the [[Stomach and Abomasum - Anatomy & Physiology|stomach]].Unlike many bacterial pathogens ''Helicobacter spp.'' are able to survive in the extremely low pH environment that exists within the stomach. The genus was first discovered in the stomach of humans in 1987. There are several species identified in humans and many veterinary species where the incidence of some species of ''Helicobacter'' is high. Species such as ''H. felis'', ''H. bizzozeronii'', ''H. salomonis'' and ''H. bilis'' have been identified in the gastric mucosa and intestines of dogs and cats. The genus is however considered of low pathogenic significance in veterinary species but there is possibility of zoonosis of the ''H. pylori'' species that is the causitve agent of gastric disease in humans. However ''H.pylori'' has not been identified in cats and is rarely seen in cats. The major veterinary concern posed by ''Helicobacter spp.'' is the ''H. mustelae'' that has been associated with chronic gastritis and gastric ulcers in ferrets.
''Helicobacter spp.'' are related to [[:Category:Campylobacter species|''Campylobacter'']] species and ''Arcobacter'' species and are pathogens affecting the [[Stomach and Abomasum - Anatomy & Physiology|stomach]].Unlike many bacterial pathogens ''Helicobacter spp.'' are able to survive in the extremely low pH environment that exists within the stomach. The genus was first discovered in the stomach of humans in 1987. There are several species identified in humans and many veterinary species where the incidence of some species of ''Helicobacter'' is high. Species such as ''H. felis'', ''H. bizzozeronii'', ''H. salomonis'' and ''H. bilis'' have been identified in the gastric mucosa and intestines of dogs and cats. The genus is however considered of low pathogenic significance in veterinary species but there is possibility of zoonosis of the ''H. pylori'' species that is the causitve agent of gastric disease in humans. However ''H.pylori'' has not been identified in cats and is rarely seen in cats. The major veterinary concern posed by ''Helicobacter spp.'' is the ''H. mustelae'' that has been associated with chronic gastritis and gastric ulcers in ferrets.
===Characteristics===
===Characteristics===
''Helicobacter'' are gram negative rod bacteria, they can appear helical, S-shaped or curved.
''Helicobacter'' are gram negative rod bacteria, they can appear helical, S-shaped or curved. All species except ''H. canis'' are oxidase and catalase possitive. Species of ''Helicobacter'' that colonise the gastric mucosa are urease positive as they must produce the enzyme to create a local environment with a pH of about 6-7 in order to survive.
*Require enriched media; some grow on Skirrow agar
*Require enriched media; some grow on Skirrow agar
*Microaerophilic, non-saccharolytic
*Microaerophilic, non-saccharolytic
*Helicobacters which colonise gastric mucosa are urease positive
*Helicobacters which colonise gastric mucosa are urease positive