Helicobacter-associated gastritis in SCID mice

Immunodeficient (SCID) and immunocompetent mice were infected with Helicobacter felis to address the role of autoimmunity in Helicobacter-associated gastritis. The extents of inflammation were equivalent in the two groups. The numbers of H. felis organisms were marginally increased in the SCID mice but did not achieve statistical significance. These results indicate that autoimmunity is not necessary to induce disease and that the presence of an adaptive immune system does not significantly affect H. felis colonization.