Phagocytosis and intracellular killing of Campylobacter jejuni by elicited chicken peritoneal macrophages

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Published on: October 22, 2013

M A Myszewski1, N J Stern

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens 30606.

Avian Diseases
|October 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Chicken macrophages efficiently clear Campylobacter jejuni in vitro. Pre-incubation with antiserum enhances bacterial uptake, but macrophages from both colonized and uncolonized chickens largely eliminate the bacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Campylobacter jejuni is a significant foodborne pathogen.
  • Understanding host-pathogen interactions is crucial for controlling C. jejuni infections in poultry.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the in vitro phagocytosis and intracellular survival of Campylobacter jejuni in chicken peritoneal macrophages.
  • To assess the impact of antiserum pre-incubation on C. jejuni uptake by macrophages.

Main Methods:

  • Chicken peritoneal macrophages were induced and harvested.
  • Phagocytosis was quantified by enumerating intracellular C. jejuni after gentamicin treatment.
  • Intracellular survival was monitored at 30 minutes, 3 hours, and 6 hours post-phagocytosis.

Main Results:

  • Pre-incubation of C. jejuni with antiserum enhanced macrophage ingestion.
  • Macrophages from both C. jejuni-colonized and control chickens demonstrated significant bacterial clearance.
  • The organism was almost completely destroyed within the experimental timeframe.

Conclusions:

  • Chicken macrophages possess a robust capacity for C. jejuni phagocytosis and intracellular killing.
  • Antiserum can augment the initial uptake of C. jejuni by macrophages.
  • Poultry macrophages play a key role in limiting C. jejuni infections.

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