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Perception and Knowledge of Portuguese Veterinarians about the Zoonotic Transmission of Helicobacter pylori and Helicobacter suis : The Need for One Health Intervention

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  • Francisco Cortez Nunes

    (School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
    Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
    Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal)

  • Silvia Teixeira

    (School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
    Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
    Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal)

  • Rui Leandro Maia

    (UFP Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit (FP-ENAS), Universidade Fernando Pessoa, Praça 9 de Abril, 349, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
    CITCEM—Centro de Investigação Transdisciplinar «Cultura, Espaço e Memória», Faculdade de Letras da Universidade do Porto, Via Panorâmica s/n, 4150-564 Porto, Portugal)

  • Irina Amorim

    (School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
    Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
    Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Teresa Letra Mateus

    (CISAS—Centre for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Escola Superior Agrária, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
    EpiUnit—Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Rua das Taipas, nº 135, 4050-091 Porto, Portugal
    Veterinary and Animal Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS) Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

Helicobacter species can colonize the gastrointestinal tract of both humans and animals, and are associated with gastrointestinal and extra-gastrointestinal diseases. Some studies indicate that animals, health professionals, and people in close contact with animals might be at higher risk for infection with gastric Helicobacter spp. Considering that veterinarians are professionals at risk for infection with zoonotic gastric Helicobacters and are also seen by many as health communicators concerning zoonoses, the aim of this study was to evaluate the Portuguese veterinarians’ perception and knowledge of Helicobacter spp. infection and its zoonotic risk/potential. Therefore, a structured questionnaire composed of 34 dichotomic, multiple-choice, rating scale, matrix, drop-down, and open-ended questions was developed and given to Portuguese veterinarians via an online platform from May 2021 to July 2021, and statistical analysis was used to obtain results. There was a total of 149 respondents, most of them (73.8%) being females. Evidently, Portuguese veterinarians have a limited perception regarding Helicobacter spp. infections. Of the respondents that “ have heard of Helicobacter ”, 17.6% do not know which animal species can be affected by it. Most of the companion animal veterinarians (76.2%) do not consider Helicobacter spp. infection a differential diagnosis when evaluating animals with gastritis. A significant percentage (37.2%) of the respondents that have “heard of H. suis ” do not consider it a zoonotic bacterium. There is a need for education and sensitization of veterinarians regarding the potential zoonotic risk of Helicobacter spp. in order to elucidate these professionals to this One Health issue, as the number of reports of non- Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter in livestock, companion, and wild animals is increasing.

Suggested Citation

  • Francisco Cortez Nunes & Silvia Teixeira & Rui Leandro Maia & Irina Amorim & Teresa Letra Mateus, 2022. "Perception and Knowledge of Portuguese Veterinarians about the Zoonotic Transmission of Helicobacter pylori and Helicobacter suis : The Need for One Health Intervention," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-12, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:22:p:15087-:d:974275
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Teresa Letra Mateus & António Castro & João Niza Ribeiro & Madalena Vieira-Pinto, 2014. "Multiple Zoonotic Parasites Identified in Dog Feces Collected in Ponte de Lima, Portugal—A Potential Threat to Human Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-18, September.
    2. Rick Speare & Diana Mendez & Jenni Judd & Simon Reid & Saul Tzipori & Peter D Massey, 2015. "Willingness to Consult a Veterinarian on Physician’s Advice for Zoonotic Diseases: A Formal Role for Veterinarians in Medicine?," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(8), pages 1-8, August.
    3. Paul A.M. Overgaauw & Claudia M. Vinke & Marjan A.E. van Hagen & Len J.A. Lipman, 2020. "A One Health Perspective on the Human–Companion Animal Relationship with Emphasis on Zoonotic Aspects," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-29, May.
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