s-aryThe occurrence and topographical mapping of the gastric Helcobacter-like organisms (GHLOs) and their association with histological changes were studied in apparently healthy dogs and cats. Multiple samples were collected for histological examination from the fundus, corpus and antmm of the stomach of 10 dogs and 10 cats. Fundus and corpus were also sampled for transmission electron microscopy (three dogs, six cats), and for culture (eight dogs, six cats). In all dogs, GHLOs were detected in the fundus and corpus, and in the anmm of nine dogs, and significantly more often in the fundus and corpus (in all sample sites examined) than the antmm (P < 0.01). In cats, GHLOs were demonstrated in 6/10 individuals, and in all regions and sample sites. In dogs GHLOs were detected in all sample sites of the fundus and corpus. Lymphocytes, plasma cells and lymphocyte aggregates were found in all dogs in all regions; there were significantly more plasma cells in the antmm than in the corpus (P < 0.05). Neutrophils were found in six dogs, and eosinophils in seven dogs. In cats, lymphocyte aggregates were found only in GHLO-positive cats, which also had more lymphocytes in the fundus and corpus than GHLO-negative ones (P < 0.05). In dogs, no statistically significant association was found between the number of GHLOs and inflammatory parameters. Four dogs showed histological changes comparable to mild chronic gasmtis and another six dogs to mild active chronic gastritis. Mild chronic gastritis was found in the antmm of all cats, and it occurred significantly more often in the anmm than in other regions (P < 0.01). In cats, there was a statistically significant association between GHLOs and chronic gastritis in the fundus and corpus (P < 0.05). GHLOs resembhng human 'Hehobuctcr hdmannii' were identified in all the dogs and cats studied by electron microscopy, and Helicobacterfe~ir in one dog in addition. Culture was successful in three dogs and one cat; 'H. hedmunnii' was identified in two of the dogs, and H j f r j in the third dog and the cat. GHLOs were found to be common in apparently healthy dogs and cats. Based on the results of this study, one sample from the fundus and corpus is enough to demonstrate GHLOs. In cats, GHLOs may cause histological changes comparable to chronic gastritis, but in dogs this association remained unclear. It is also questionable if the histological criteria for human gastritis, used in the present study, are suitable for dogs and cats.

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