Helicobacter heilmannii-like spiral bacteria in gastric mucosal biopsies. Prevalence and clinical significance.

BACKGROUND: Gastric Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is highly associated with histological gastritis and peptic ulcer disease, yet Helicobacter heilmannii (Hh, also known as Gastrospirillum hominis) may be a less frequent gastric pathogen about which less is known.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated 1223 gastric biopsies from 1042 upper endoscopies with biopsies performed over 1 year. Spiral bacteria were specifically sought in biopsies from 912 endoscopies. Clinical and pathologic data from patients with unusual spiral bacteria were tabulated and sera were evaluated for anti-Hp antibodies.

RESULTS: The histologic prevalences of Hp and Hh-like bacteria were 59% and 0.5%, respectively, in 912 endoscopies. All four patients with Hh-like spiral bacteria had gastrointestinal symptoms and histologic gastritis. Two had immigrated from the Philippines and one from Belgium. Endoscopic findings and clinical course varied. One improved spontaneously; one improved following antibiotic therapy. One patient's symptoms and bacteria persisted without therapy. One patient coinfected with Hp was treated with apparent clearance of Hh but persistence of Hp.

CONCLUSIONS: Helicobacter heilmannii-like bacteria can be distinguished from Hp with routine histologic stains; both bacteria are irregularly distributed. Helicobacter heilmannii appears to be a significant though uncommon cause of gastric inflammation. Some patients with Hh-like bacteria may benefit from anti-Hp therapy.