Detection of Helicobacter pylori using the micro ELISA technique in fecal samples in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)

Abstract

Helicobacteriosis is a disease caused by Helicobacter pylori, which is characterized by producing inflammation of the gastric mucosa, causing gastritis, peptic ulcer or even gastric cancer. As a natural reservoir of H. pylori has been considered man, however, several studies have confirmed the presence of spiral bacteria in dogs and cats. Given the close relationship that exists between pets and humans, some researchers bet on the possible zoonotic transmission between them. To diagnose the presence of H. pylori there are currently tests of enzymatic immunoassays, non-invasive, practical, comfortable and easy to apply. Due to this particularity, the present research was carried out, whose objective was the diagnosis of the presence of H. pylori antigens in feces of dogs that attended a Veterinary consultation in the city of Cuenca, Ecuador, using the micro ELISA technique. The statistical analysis included descriptive and chi-square statistical tests; some predisposing factors that were measured in the veterinary inquiri were studied, such as sex, age, type of feeding, company of another animal and habitat. The results obtained indicate that of the 92 patients evaluated, only 11 (12 %) of them tested positive for the EIA Test Kit®. These findings confirm that H. pylori is widely distributed in dogs. Among the predisposing factors studied, with the exception of the companionship between dogs and cats, the other factors analyzed in this research did not affect the prevalence of the disease. The sex approximated a difference of 6 %, highlighting that helicobacteriosis is more frequent in females than in males. To conclude, the existence of H. pylori in dogs was confirmed, thus making it a possible entity for the dissemination of this microorganism in the population.