Detection, isolation, and characterization of helicobacter species from the gastrointestinal tract of the brushtail possum.

ABSTRACT: The presence of Helicobacter species in Australian marsupials was examined systematically using microscopy, culture, and PCR in different regions of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and in the liver of brushtail possums (BTPs) (Trichosurus vulpecula), a common Australian marsupial that feeds on eucalyptus leaves. The spatial distribution of Helicobacter species in the GIT sections also was examined microscopically in silver-stained sections and by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) using a Helicobacter genus-specific probe. Helicobacter species were found colonizing the lower bowel of all BTPs studied. Good agreement was observed between the detection of Helicobacter species using culture and PCR, which was supported by the microscopic examination of silver-stained sections and FISH.

SUBMITTER: Coldham T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3067252 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature