Veterinary medicine international
Zoonotic Potential of Non-Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter Species Associated With Dogs and Cats in Human Infections: A Systematic Review
By Al-Gburi NM.
Abstract
Background
Non-Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter (NHPH) spp. are clinically relevant organisms found in humans and several animal hosts. Dogs and cats are natural hosts of multiple gastric and enterohepatic NHPH spp. and may represent potential sources of human exposure.
Objective
This systematic review aimed to synthesize the clinical, epidemiological, and molecular evidence concerning human infections involving dog- and cat-associated NHPH spp. and to evaluate the evidence for a possible epidemiological association with companion animals.
Methods
PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for studies published from 2000 through the final search on April 15, 2026. Eligible studies reported human infection with NHPH spp. involving H. heilmannii sensu stricto (s.s), H. felis, H. bizzozeronii, H. salomonis, or H. canis. The following information was extracted: study and patient characteristics, NHPH species, human samples, diagnostic techniques, molecular confirmation, immunological state, clinical results, and exposure to dogs and/or cats. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist appropriate for each study design.