Evaluation of a molecular identification scheme based on 23S rRNA gene polymorphisms for differentiating canine and feline gastric Helicobacter spp.

A scheme for the rapid identification of Helicobacter spp, using restrictio n fragment length polymorphism digestion profiles of PCR amplified 23S rRNA genes is described. The efficacy of this scheme for speciation of the clos ely related gastric species H. felis, H. bizzozeronii and H. salomonis tvas evaluated. It was difficult to distinguish between some RFLP profiles obta ined and often, more than one profile was seen with each species examined. Some evidence was found that the 23S rRNA gene copies of these species may not be identical. Moreover, the identification scheme was ineffective in di scriminating these species from each other, although they could be differen tiated, as a group, from other Helicobacter spp. The results indicate that this scheme should be carefully evaluated with a number of isolates if it i s to be applied to additional, highly related Helicobacter spp.