Helicobacter Forums

Hello,

My name is Melissa and I am new here. I just have a few questions. I apologize in the beginning for too much info. First I will start with telling you that I am a veterinary technician and have been for over 9 years, so I am of course around cats and dogs all the time. I have been bitten by some and licked and scratched by most. In June I did some blood work on my cat thinking he had thyroid issues with his patchy hair growth, but instead I found out that he was anemic with a PCV of 19%. Cats should be around 35. Anyways, after trying different meds over a few months and them not necessarily working we decided to treat him for Helicobacter. We had him on Clarithromycin, Amoxi, Metronidazole, a Probiotic, and Famotdine for 30 days. His PCV is now 40%, yay! and staying around there. Oh forgot to tell you that he's a frequent vomiter and that he was diagnosed like 6 years ago with IBS. Anywho, throughout his ordeal he has had skin issues. He has scabs that will sometimes ooze, he is itchy, and has dry skin. We have tried putting him on steroids, but with his possible ulcers his PCV dropped. Do you know if this bacteria typically causes skin issues?

Now on to me. For about 1-2 years I haven't felt like myself. I have seen countless doctors who have chalked it up to anxiety, which I am on meds for and have been for a few months. I have also had many tests run and they can't seem to find anything. I feel a lot better, but still feel nauseous occasionally, sometimes I don't have an appetite, and I have always been a pretty tired person and still am. Is it possible that my cat gave this to me or maybe I have it and gave it to him? I am planning on seeing a GI specialist, but I don't want a biopsy taken (too invasive ). Are there other ways they can test me for it? This sounds bad, but I hope it comes back positive so that I FINALLY have an answer.

Again sorry for the novel and any ideas or suggestions would help. Thanks,
Melissa

Thanks for sharing your interesting story. I must say, it's rare to hear someone treated domestic animal with antibiotics to cure Helicobacter. Because of their nature (sniffing around other animals' "digestive by product"), I would assume they'll catch Helicobacter back easily.

Anyway, I dont think Helicobacter is related to your cat's skin disease. However, the antibiotics may kill off other pathogen that may be giving the skin problem.

In regards to your problem, although it's rare, it is possible for non-Helicobacter pylori to jump host from animals to human. If you think you had it, you can visit any GP and get a breath test done.