Helicobacter species colonizing pig stomach: Molecular characterization and determination of prevalence

The infection rate of 60 pigs (10 pigs from each of six farms) by Helicobac ter species was studied by two techniques. Histological examination of the cardiac area of the stomach yielded a 58% positive result versus an 80% pos itive result by PCR with genus-specific primers. Eighty percent of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified, classified in four groups by PCR-restriction fragm ent length polymorphism, and sequenced. Isolates from all farms except one (farm C) were identified as Helicobacter heilmannii type 1, while those fro m farm C were identified as H. heilmannii type 2. Attempts to culture this organism in vitro failed. Helicobacter pylori was not found in these animal s.