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Colonization of infant mice with flagellar variants of Campylobacter jejuni
K S Diker1, G Hascelik, S Diker
1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Turkey.
Abstract:
The role of flagella in the colonization of the intestine by Campylobacter jejuni was investigated by challenging infant mice with two flagellated strains and their nonflagellated variants. The intestinal tracts of infant mice were regularly colonized with motile strains, but not by nonmotile variants. Colonization of mice with motile C. jejuni occurred with as few as 1000 bacteria per mouse.
Insights
Flagella are crucial for Campylobacter jejuni intestinal colonization in infant mice. Motile strains successfully colonized, while nonmotile variants did not, highlighting flagella
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide.
- Understanding the mechanisms of C. jejuni intestinal colonization is critical for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.
- Flagella are known virulence factors in many bacteria, but their specific role in C. jejuni gut colonization requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of flagella in the intestinal colonization of infant mice by Campylobacter jejuni.
- To determine if motility conferred by flagella is essential for C. jejuni to establish infection in the gut.
Main Methods:
- Infant mice were challenged with two different flagellated strains of Campylobacter jejuni and their corresponding nonflagellated variants.
- Regular monitoring of intestinal tracts was performed to assess bacterial colonization.
- Determined the minimum infectious dose of motile C. jejuni required for colonization.
Main Results:
- Infant mice were consistently colonized by the motile, flagellated strains of C. jejuni.
- Nonmotile variants of C. jejuni were unable to colonize the intestinal tracts of the infant mice.
- Colonization of mice with motile C. jejuni was achieved with as few as 1000 bacteria per mouse.
Conclusions:
- Flagella and bacterial motility are essential for Campylobacter jejuni to colonize the infant mouse intestine.
- The findings suggest that flagella play a critical role in the early stages of C. jejuni gut infection.
- Motility is a key factor enabling C. jejuni to overcome host defenses and establish a foothold in the intestinal environment.