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Campylobacter jejuni non-culturable coccoid cells
R R Beumer1, J de Vries, F M Rombouts
1Laboratory of Food Microbiology, Agricultural University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
International Journal of Food Microbiology
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Coccoid cells of Campylobacter jejuni, though potentially viable, did not cause infection in laboratory animals or humans. Further research is needed to understand their infectivity and environmental behavior.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Environmental Science
- Food Safety
Background:
- Campylobacter jejuni environmental behavior and viability are poorly understood.
- Coccoid cells, a non-culturable form, are suspected to retain infectivity.
- Rapid loss of viability on culture media is a known issue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the infectivity of Campylobacter jejuni coccoid cells in animal models and humans.
- To assess the viability and potential pathogenicity of coccoid cells under simulated gastrointestinal conditions.
Main Methods:
- ATP measurements and Direct Viable Count (DVC) were used to assess coccoid cell viability.
- Simulated gastric, ileal, and colon environments were used to test cell survival.
- Oral administration to laboratory animals and human volunteers was conducted to evaluate infectivity.
Main Results:
- ATP measurements and DVC supported the hypothesis of coccoid cell viability.
- No culturable cells were found after introduction into simulated gastrointestinal environments.
- No typical campylobacteriosis symptoms, antibodies, or C. jejuni presence were detected in animals or volunteers up to 30 days post-administration.
Conclusions:
- Campylobacter jejuni coccoid cells, despite showing viability markers, did not demonstrate infectivity in the tested models.
- The infectivity of Campylobacter jejuni coccoid cells to animals and humans remains unproven by this study.
- Further research is required to elucidate the role of coccoid cells in C. jejuni transmission and pathogenesis.