Helicobacter Status of JHU Facilities (updated September 2010)
Helicobacter NEGATIVE: BRB suite 17 and 16 (C,D),  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

1. 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 a documented research impact including chronic intestinal inflammation, hepatitis and liver tumors.  
   
2. How do we test for Helicobacter?   We test for Helicobacters by PCR of fecal samples (in-house generic test). We test Helicobacter-negative facilities routinely through the sentinel program.  Others on request on a fee for service basis.
   
3. Can I move my mice that I recieved from another institution to a Helicobacter negative facility? We will test your mice twice in quarantine. If both test are negative, you may request a transfer to a negative facility.

Helicobacter and CRB

1. How do we monitor Helicobacter status in CRB 1 and 2?  Sentinels are tested every 4 months by PCR.
   
2. What is the Helicobacter status of CRB 1 and 2?  Many rooms are posted Helicobacter negative.
   
3. What can we do if we want Helicobacter negative mice?  There is currently a cross-fostering program in place to rederive infected animals in CRB.  Contact Trish Karavedas-Matos for more information.