Detection and isolation of Helicobacter mustelae from stoats in New Zealand

Authors: Parton K, O'Toole PW, Lumsden JS, Cowan PE, Forester NT
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 51, Issue 3, pp 142-145, Jun 2003
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Mustelid, Wildlife
Subject Terms: Abdomen, Alimentary system/gastroenterology, Bacterial, Diagnostic procedures
Article class: Short Communication

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Abstract: AIM: To determine the incidence of Helicobacter mustelae in stoats (Mustela erminea) in New Zealand.
METHODS: Helicobacter-like organisms and total genomic DNA were isolated from gastric tissue of stoats and identified using a combination of bacterial culture, phenotypic testing and molecular techniques.
RESULTS: A Helicobacter-specific 16S rRNA polymerase chain reaction product was detected in 16/32 gastric tissue biopsies tested. Nine of 13 partially sequenced 16S rRNA DNA identified H. mustelae 16S DNA. Bacteria, subsequently identified as H. mustelae, were successfully cultured from the stomachs of 4/32 stoats. Other Helicobacter species were also identified by DNA sequence analysis, but were not cultured.
CONCLUSIONS: Helicobacter mustelae is present in stoats from both the North and South Islands of New Zealand.
KEY WORDS: Stoats, Helicobacter mustelae

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