Background: In contrast to humans, in whom H. pylori infection predominates, the investigation of pathogenicity in cats is complicated by the fact that they can be colonized by a variety of Helicobacter spp. To improve our understanding of Helicobacter infection in cats and determine whether they are reservoirs for H. pylori and sources of zoonotic transmission to humans, we selected this animal as an experimental model for gastric colonization with H. pylori. Methods: Sixteen stray cats underwent Helicobacter eradication treatment followed by three consecutive oral inoculations of a cocktail of human isolates of H. pylori. Results: Based on genus- and species-specific PCR, and the vacA and cagA-P1 genotypes, Four out of sixteen inoculated cats were colonized with a single H. pylori strain. Conclusion: In conclusion, human H. pylori isolates are able to colonize the stomach of cats. It seems that these animals can be used as an experimental model in the future investigations of H. pylori-induced pathogenesis as well as evaluation of anti-H. pylori prevention and treatment regimens.

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