Introduction - Helicobacter Infection
Helicobacter is a genus of spiral shaped bacteria that can survive in the stomach and lower GI tract of many mammals including people and cats. While most forms of bacteria succumb to the digestive fluids within the stomach, the Helicobacter has a unique protective coating that allows it to survive. Once inside the stomach, the bacteria uses its spiral shape to bore into the tissues of the stomach and lower GI tract, and as a result inflammation and irritation within these tissues occurs. While cats have been diagnosed with Helicobacter infections, the cause and effects of these infections are still very much a mystery.
Potential Causes of Helicobacter Infection in Cats
One of the most famous forms of Helicobacter is the Helicobacter pylori. People who become infected with this bacteria can develop gastritis and ulcers as a result. Cats can also become infected with Helicobacter pylori, and the bacteria can cause gastritis in cats as well. It is not well understood if the bacteria themselves are responsible for the gastritis in cats, or if another underlying medical condition in addition to the bacteria resulted in gastritis symptoms.
How cats become infected with Helicobacter, including Helicobacter pylori, is still not well understood; though it is believed that cats can become infected with the bacteria if they accidentally ingest fecal material contaminated with Helicobacter. Cats may also somehow become infected with Helicobacter pylori from people infected with the bacteria, a process known as “reverse zoonosis.” Whether cats and people can continue to pass the bacteria back and forth to one another is not known.