Which statement accurately describes reservoir hosts for Helicobacter pylori?

Which statement accurately describes reservoir hosts for Helicobacter pylori?

• A. It is found only in humans.
• B. It is found in humans, cats, and sheep (in the stomach) as reservoirs.
• C. It is found only in non-human primates.
• D. It is found exclusively in the liver.

Answer: (B)

Reservoir hosts are species in which a pathogen can persist and be transmitted. Helicobacter pylori primarily infects humans, but it has been found in the stomachs of other animals, including cats and sheep, so these species can serve as additional reservoirs. The bacteria reside in the gastric mucosa, not in the liver, which is why a statement claiming the liver as a reservoir is incorrect. Therefore, recognizing that humans, cats, and sheep can harbor H. pylori in the stomach best reflects its reservoir host range.

Reservoir hosts are species in which a pathogen can persist and be transmitted. Helicobacter pylori primarily infects humans, but it has been found in the stomachs of other animals, including cats and sheep, so these species can serve as additional reservoirs. The bacteria reside in the gastric mucosa, not in the liver, which is why a statement claiming the liver as a reservoir is incorrect. Therefore, recognizing that humans, cats, and sheep can harbor H. pylori in the stomach best reflects its reservoir host range.