H. hepaticus serves as a model for H. pylori -induced chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, and gastric adenocarcinoma. Natural infection of laboratory mice with H. hepaticus, and possibly other Helicobacter spp., could confound carcinogenicity research and research involving the gastrointestinal system. It is certain that much additional information concerning these and yet unknown murine Helicobacter pathogens will be published in the scientific literature in the near future. C. rodentium is a gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic rod. Rats are not susceptible to infection.
Transmission is via direct contact or via contaminated food or bedding.
C. rodentium is generally considered an opportunistic pathogen. For example, the use of antibiotics effective primarily against gram-negative rods may allow an overgrowth of C. rodentium in the mouse intestine. Clinical signs, when present, are nonspecific and may include ruffled coat, weight loss, depression, stunting, perianal fecal staining, and rectal prolapse. Nursing mice are most susceptible. Infection is transient, and there is no carrier state.