Among these, H. hepaticus, a pathogen of mice, is most prominent. The prevalence of H. hepaticus is currently unknown but may be quite high. Rats, guinea pigs, and hamsters are not susceptible to infection.
Transmission is via direct fecal-oral contact or fomites.
H. hepaticus selectively and persistently colonizes the bile canaliculi and cecal and colonic mucosae. Other, lesser known Helicobacter spp. H. hepaticus has been associated with hepatic carcinomas and elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase in serum. 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.