PCR-based detection of Helicobacter spp. in animal facilities of a University in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

Pathogenic microbial detection and control in laboratory animal facilities is essential to guarantee animal welfare, data validity and reproducibility. Helicobacter spp. are known to affect mice health, what may interfere with experimental outcomes. This study aimed to screen for Helicobacter spp. in mice from animal facilities in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil using a PCR-based method. Primers designed to specifi cally identify Helicobacter spp. were used to amplify feces or intestine DNA extracted of mice from four different animal facilities. The expected 375 base pairs (bp) amplicon was purifi ed, sequenced and a similarity of 95% was observed when compared to deposited sequences of H. hepaticus and H. bilis. In our screening, Helicobacter spp. was detected in ~59% of fecal and ~70% of intestine samples. Our study is the fi rst to screen for Helicobacter spp. in mouse facilities of a Rio de Janeiro University using a low cost, rapid molecular diagnostic test. Although Helicobacter spp. screening is not mandatory according to Brazilian animal welfare regulation it is recommended by institutional animal health monitoring programs guidelines worldwide, including ARRIVE, AAALAC and FELASA.

Colonization of Helicobacter pylori in Tonsillectomy Materials

“…There is no standard identification system for HP in the upper respiratory tract. Histochemical and immunohistochemical examinations, production in culture, rapid urease test (RUT), PCR are the techniques used to investigate the presence of HP 10 . The rate of false-positive results in tests based on detection of the products of urea hydrolysis is high.…”

“…However, due to other bacteria in the pharynx flora, it is quite difficult to produce HP in culture. Molecular methods are valuable but expensive tests for the detection of HP [10][11][12][13][14] . The sensitivity of histopathologic examinations performed with Giemsa staining was stated as 91%, with specificity 100% and accuracy 95% 15 .…”

Reticulated Platelets—Which Functions Have Been Established by In Vivo and In Vitro Data?

“…Mice are prone to infections and these infections even if they are subclinical may influence animals’ physiology and immunity which in turn might have effects on platelets. A good example of these pathogens is Helicobacter hepaticus which is a known ‘unwanted’ pathogen present in rodent colonies [ 33 ]. A recent study from the University of Rio de Janeiro for instance examined mice from their animal facilities for Helicobacter spp.…”

“…A recent study from the University of Rio de Janeiro for instance examined mice from their animal facilities for Helicobacter spp. showing that ~59% of fecal and ~70% of intestinal samples were positive for this pathogen [ 33 ].…”