Dog as Potential Source of Helicobacter Pylori in Egypt: Public Health Significance

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter species is a group of taxonomically related Gram negative, microaerophilic bacteria, which are known to colonize the gastrointestinal and biliary tracts of human and different animal species. The objective of the present study was to determine the occurrence of H. pylori in owned dog and its role in transmission of H pylori to the dog owners. Method: Human gastric biopsies (n=80) and Canine stool (n=60) were collected and examined by nested PCR. The PCR positive samples from human and dog isolates were further subjected to partial 16s sequencing. Result: H pylori was proved in 62.5% and 91.6% of owned dog and dog owners, respectively. The 16s sequencing of the isolates from human and dog were homologous. Conclusion: This study showed higher occurrence of H pylori in both human and dogs in Egypt. Zoonotic transmission between dogs and human is probable and reflects a public health concern.