Observation of Helicobacter-like organisms in gastric mucosa of grey foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) and bobcats (Lynx rufus)

Archival specimens of gastric mucosa of 10 raccoons (Procyon lotor), 9 porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum), 6 grey foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), 6 bobcats (Lynx rufus), 4 skunks (Mephitis mephitis), and 3 black bears (Ursus americanus) were microscopically examined for evidence of Helicobacter-like organisms. Such organisms were seen in the specimens from the grey foxes and bobcats only. Histochemical stains (modified Steiner and carbol fuchsin methods) revealed long spiral organisms within lumina of gastric glands; however, neither gross nor microscopic lesions were observed. By electron microscopy (EM), the organisms were found to be free in the glandular lumina and were seen occasionally in the cytoplasm of gastric epithelial cells. Morphologically, 2 different phenotypes of spiral organisms were identified by EM. The organisms associated with bobcats appeared to be more tightly coiled than those seen in grey foxes. The presence of Helicobacter-like organisms in the gastric mucosa of grey foxes has not previously been described.     

Naturally occurring spirochetes in the colonic mucosa of raccoons (Procyon lotor)

The large intestines of 21 raccoons (Procyon lotor; 11 wild caught, 10 laboratory confined) were examined for the presence of intestinal spirochetes. Light microscopy of sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Warthin-Starry stain showed the presence of spiral shaped organisms deep within the lumina of intestinal glands at the ileocolonic junction of 16 raccoons (76% prevalence). All laboratory-confined, group-housed raccoons harbored the organisms, but only 6/11 (55% prevalence) live-trapped raccoons were positive for these spirochetes. The organisms were free in the glandular lumina, and there were no microscopic lesions. Two types of spirochetes were identified in the colonic glands: a slender spirochete 10-13 microm in length, 0.3 microm in diameter, and possessing long, thin tapered ends and a larger, regularly waved spiral organism (0.5 microm in diameter). The slender spirochete did not resemble any of the known spirochete genera and failed to grow on medium used to propagate oral treponemes and members of the genus Brachyspira.