Clinical Management of Helicobacter Infection in Captive Baboons (Papio anubis and Papio hamadryas), and Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Three Novel Helicobacter Species.

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter spp. are gastric or enterohepatic bacteria that can be commensal, opportunistic, or pathogenic. Few studies have evaluated Helicobacter spp. in baboons.

METHODS

Twenty-seven captive baboons were surveyed for Helicobacter spp. by fecal PCR, and a subset evaluated by culture. Nine baboons were treated with oral "triple therapy" with clarithromycin (10 mg/kg), amoxicillin (10 mg/kg), and omeprazole (20 mg) once daily for 10 days.

RESULTS

All baboons were positive for Helicobacter spp., including H. macacae (78%), H. suis (19%), and H. pylori (15%). Three novel Helicobacter species were identified by whole genomic sequencing, for which we propose the names Helicobacter papionis, H. simiae, and H. papionifaecis. Treatment was safe and effective for H. pylori, H. suis, and H. macacae, but did not eliminate the novel Helicobacter spp.

CONCLUSIONS

Species-specific assays should guide treatment of Helicobacter spp. infections in baboons. Further epidemiologic studies are needed to inform clinical management.