GASTRIC SPIRAL BACTERIA IN WILD RATS FROM ITALY

Forty-three wild rats (Rattus norvegicus) trapped in Milan (Italy) wer e examined for gastric spiral bacteria and to evaluate associated hist ological lesions. Spiral bacteria were histologically detected in the stomach of 10 rats (23%). The morphological features of these microorg anisms, observed using both light and electron microscopy, correspond to those of Helicobacter heilmannii. Mild gastritis characterized by f ocal lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of the lamina propria was observed in six rats with gastric spiral bacteria. Our findings suggest a caus al role of these bacteria in inducing a gastric inflammatory response.