Helicobacter Status of JHU Facilities (updated May 09)
Helicobacter NEGATIVE: BRB suite 17 and 16 (C,D,E) , parts of CRB2 and CRB1, transgenic core; individual designated and posted racks in other facilities.
Helicobacter POSITIVE: All other facilities except those mentioned above.
FAQ
How many Helicobacters infect mice? There are multiple species of Helicobacter that infect mice. The first to be published, and the most pathogenic is H hepaticus. However there are at least 6 other mouse Helicobacters, several of which have documented research impact, including chronic intestinal inflammation, hepatitis and liver tumors.
How do we test for Helicobacter? We test for Helicobacters by PCR of fecal samples (in-house generic test). Serological tests for H hepaticus have proven unreliable. We test Helicobacter-negative facilities routinely through the sentinel program. Others on request on a fee for service basis.
How did we get Helicobacter positive mice? Until ~ March 2002 vendors were supplying Helicobacter-positive mice, and we can assume that most, if not all colonies were infected with Helicobacter sp. The majority of collaborating institutions still send us Helicobacter-positive mice.
How can eliminate Helicobacters from our unique mice? RAR operates a cross fostering service that has an 85-90% success rate in eliminating Helicobacter from offspring. Please contact Julie Watson for more information. Please note, this service is currently unavailable but is expected to resume in the Fall of 2009.
My mice arrived from institution X. Can I move them to a Helicobacter negative facility? We will test your mice twice in quarantine. If both tests are negative you may request transfer to a negative facility.
