Helicobacter NEGATIVE: BRB suite 17, 16C,D,E, 18G; 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 5 other mouse Helicobacters, several of which have documented research impact.
How do we test for Helicobacter? H hepaticus is the only Helicobacter for which there is a serological (blood) test. All other Helicobacters can only be diagnosed by culture or PCR. We send out serological tests to Bioreliance, and since 2003 we have been able to perform fecal PCR in-house. We test Helicobacter-negative facilities routinely. Others on request.
How do we test CRB? Since 2002, we have operated a sentinel surveillance system where each rack is sampled by a cage of sentinel mice exposed via soiled bedding from the colony cages on that rack. These sentinels have been tested quarterly for H hepaticus by serology. We have not systematically tested for the other Helicobacters by PCR.
What is the Helicobacter status of CRB? Sentinel testing indicates that most of CRB is H hepaticus negative, however there are several racks in several rooms that are positive. We do not routinely test by PCR for the other Helicobacters, however occasional requested tests indicate we do have the other Helicobacters in CRB.
How did we get Helicobacter positive mice in CRB? Until ~ March 2002 vendors were supplying Helicobacter-positive mice to JHU. Also until late 2003, imports of mice from collaborators were only tested for H hepaticus and not for other species, so outside sources that have since propagated are the most likely origin.
How can I submit my samples for testing? Please see attached instructions and submission form below.
Why do I need more than one test for quarantined mice? It is not yet clear whether a single PCR test is sufficient to ensure that a mouse is negative for all Helicobacter spp. Our previous experience suggests otherwise. Therefore the following protocol applies:
a) If incoming mice are coming from a documented negative facility: one test per mouse.
b) If incoming mice are coming from an untested or positive facility: 2 sequential tests per mouse one or more weeks apart.
