The association between histological findings of gastric mucosa in pigs at slaughtering age and the presence of Helicobacter spp., identified by PCR, assay was investigated. Stomachs from 67 pigs were examined. Histological changes of pars esophagea were identified and classified as gastric ulcers, erosion, degeneration, distortion of papils, hyperplasia, paraqueratosis, and number of lymphoid follicles. Microscopic analysis revealed the most frequent alteration: 83.5% (n= 56) stomachs with epithelial degeneration and distortion of papils. Paraqueratosis of pars esophagea was observed in 77.5% (n=52) of the samples and epithelial hyperplasia in 61% (n=41). Forty-seven (70.1%) pigs were positive to Helycobacter spp. by PCR. Erosion of pars esophagea and ulceration were the most frequent findings in Helicobacter spp. PCR-positive pigs, occurring, respectively, in 40.2% and 11.9%. The frequency of animals without ulceration and Helicobacter spp. PCR-positive was 58.2%. It was observed a significant association (P=0.003) between Helicobacter spp. and epithelial degeneration of gastric mucosa in pigs at slaughtering age.
swine; stomach; gastric ulcers; Helicobacter spp.; PCR
