Helicobacter heilmannii associated erosive gastritis

The spiral bacteria, Helicobacter heilmannii (H, heilmannii), distinct from Helicobacter pylori (H, pylori), was found in the gastric mucosa of a 71-y ear-old man without clinical symptoms. The endoscopic examination revealed erosive gastritis. Rapid urease test from the antral specimen was positive, but both culture and immunohistological staining for H,pylori were negativ e. Touch smear cytology showed tightly spiral bacteria, which were consiste nt with H. heilmannii. At the second endoscopy after medication regimen for eradication of H, pylori, inflammation was decreased and the rapid urease test was negative. The second cytology showed no evidence of H. heilmannii. Anti-H,pylori therapy may be a useful medication for H, heilmannii.