Helicobacter heilmannii (formerly Gastrospirillum): Association with pig and human gastric pathology

In the study of H. heilmannii, much remains to be elucidated. The infection is widespread among animals, yet uncommon in humans, suggesting that it may be acquired as a zoonosis. H. heilmannii is the only Helicobacter that naturally infects humans as well as a vast number of animals. This study by Queiroz et al., in which the organism has been found to be associated with naturally occurring peptic ulceration, together with its recent successful culture on artificial media, will no doubt add to our armamentarium for studies of the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease.