ARS | Publication request: Use of Comparative Genomics and Eukaryotic Cell Adherence/Invasion Assays of the Food-Borne Pathogen Campylobacter jejuni for the Identification of Putative Virulence Factors

Submitted to: American Association of Avian Pathologists
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 23, 2010
Publication Date: August 2, 2010
Citation: Hiett, K.L., Akins, D., Simmons, I.M., Seal, B.S. 2010. Use of Comparative Genomics and Eukaryotic Cell Adherence/Invasion Assays of the Food-Borne Pathogen Campylobacter jejuni for the Identification of Putative Virulence Factors. American Association of Avian Pathologists.

Technical Abstract: Campylobacter, the leading bacterial etiology of acute humans gastroenteritis, is commonly associated with the handling/consumption of poultry. Eukaryotic cell adhesion/invasion assays were performed on fifty-one C. jejuni isolates. A range of adhesion/invasion abilities was exhibited. To identify genes involved in C. jejuni virulence, comparative genomic analyses were performed on the most invasive isolate, the least invasive isolate, and two isolates in the middle of the observed range. A high degree of genetic variability, generally located within the 7 plasticity regions, was observed. The greatest variability occurred in the functional categories of cell envelope/surface structures, small molecule metabolism, and hypothetical/unknown genes.