Helicobacter-like organisms in the stomach of pigs with and without gastric ulceration

Objectives: To determine whether Helicobacter organisms are present in commercially reared pigs in North America and whether the presence of these bacteria is associated with gastric ulcers. Methods: Stomachs of pigs from four farms with diverse management systems were examined. The presence of Helicobacter was determined using an in-situ urease mapping technique and performing microscopic examination using Warthin-Starry silver stain. Culture was attempted using methods appropriate for Campylobacter species and Helicobacter pylori. The presence of lesions in the pars oesophagea based on macroscopic examination was recorded. Results: Spiral-shaped bacteria morphologically similar to H. heilmannii were detected in the stomachs of pigs from three of the four herds. The highest prevalence of positive stomachs (87%) occurred in a farrow-to-finish herd with a continuous-flow grower-finisher barn with floor feeding. The presence of Helicobacter-like organisms was not related to the presence of gastric ulcers. Implications: Programs to eliminate Helicobacter have been shown to be highly successful in curing gastric ulceration in humans, but on the basis of this study, an antibiotic approach is unlikely to be of benefit in solving gastric ulcer problems in swine. The prevalence of Helicobacter in stomachs of pigs at slaughter may be related to husbandry practices and biosecurity. It may be possible to produce pigs free of Helicobacter, and this might be important from a public health standpoint. However, at present, it appears that H. heilmannii is not a serious health risk to humans.