"Helicobacter heilmannii", human and animal pathogen : a review

Gastric uncultured spiralled bacteria different from Helicobacter pylori, H . felis and H. bizzozeronii have been observed in humans and animals partic ularly swine and cat. To date, these bacteria are classified as << Helicoba cter heilmannii >> specie. <<H. heilmannii >> is now known to be a signific ant human pathogen. In animals, many studies shown the association between the presence of <<H. heilmannii >> and chronic gastritis. The presence of < < H. heilmannii >> can be determined by various methods, including histolog y and molecular methods. Although the presence of <<H. heilmannii >> in hum ans appears to be a case of animal-to-human transmission, there is a need f or more information regarding the zoonotic potential of these bacteria. In order to perform its detection and its prevention an overview of <<H. heilm annii >> is presented.