Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

Detection and Isolation of Campylobacter spp. from Raw Meat
05:34

Detection and Isolation of Campylobacter spp. from Raw Meat

Published on: February 23, 2024

Pathogenic potential of Campylobacter ureolyticus

Jose A Burgos-Portugal1, Nadeem O Kaakoush, Mark J Raftery

  • 1School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.

Infection and Immunity
|November 30, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Campylobacter ureolyticus adheres to intestinal cells and causes damage, suggesting it may be a gastrointestinal pathogen. Further research identified potential virulence factors in its secretome.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pathogen Discovery

Background:

  • Campylobacter ureolyticus, formerly Bacteroides ureolyticus, was recently found in children with Crohn's disease.
  • The pathogenic potential of this bacterium in the gastrointestinal tract requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the pathogenic potential of Campylobacter ureolyticus.
  • To investigate its adherence, invasion, and interaction with intestinal cells.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized adherence and gentamicin protection assays with Caco-2 cells.
  • Employed scanning electron microscopy to visualize bacterial-host cell interactions.
  • Analyzed the C. ureolyticus secretome for potential virulence factors.

Main Results:

  • C. ureolyticus adhered to Caco-2 cells (5.341% ± 0.74%) but did not invade.
  • Proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ) did not significantly alter adherence or invasion.
  • Microscopy showed C. ureolyticus colonization, cellular damage, and microvillus degradation.
  • Identified 29 putative secretory proteins, including CjaA, fibronectin binding protein, and S-layer RTX toxin.

Conclusions:

  • C. ureolyticus demonstrates adherence and colonization capabilities in the intestinal tract.
  • The bacterium possesses potential virulence factors, suggesting a role in gastrointestinal pathogenesis.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms of C. ureolyticus pathogenicity.

More Related Videos

Culture Methods to Determine the Limit of Detection and Survival in Transport Media of Campylobacter Jejuni in Human Fecal Specimens08:23

Culture Methods to Determine the Limit of Detection and Survival in Transport Media of Campylobacter Jejuni in Human Fecal Specimens

Published on: March 10, 2020

Enteric Bacterial Invasion Of Intestinal Epithelial Cells In Vitro Is Dramatically Enhanced Using a Vertical Diffusion Chamber Model10:52

Enteric Bacterial Invasion Of Intestinal Epithelial Cells In Vitro Is Dramatically Enhanced Using a Vertical Diffusion Chamber Model

Published on: October 22, 2013

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
Lysogenic Cycle of Bacteriophages00:43

Lysogenic Cycle of Bacteriophages

In contrast to the lytic cycle, phages infecting bacteria via the lysogenic cycle do not immediately kill their host cell. Instead, they combine their genome with the host genome, allowing the bacteria to replicate the phage DNA along with the bacterial genome. The incorporated copy of the phage genome is called the prophage. Some prophages can re-activate and enter the lytic cycle. This often occurs in response to a perturbation, such as DNA damage, but can also transpire in the absence of...
Stringent Response in E. coli01:23

Stringent Response in E. coli

Bacterial growth is closely tied to nutrient availability, with cells proliferating exponentially under favorable conditions and entering a stationary phase when resources become scarce. This transition is mediated by a regulatory mechanism known as the stringent response, which allows bacteria to adapt to nutrient deprivation by modulating gene expression and metabolic activity.During nutrient scarcity, intracellular amino acid levels decline. It results in the accumulation of uncharged tRNAs...
Regulation of Bacterial Virulence01:28

Regulation of Bacterial Virulence

Pathogenic bacteria employ a range of regulatory mechanisms to modulate the expression of virulence genes in response to environmental and host-derived signals. These mechanisms ensure that virulence factors are expressed only under favorable conditions, thereby optimizing infection and survival strategies.Mechanisms of Virulence RegulationKey regulatory strategies include:Two-Component Systems: These consist of a membrane-bound sensor kinase and a cytoplasmic response regulator. Environmental...
Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology01:25

Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of urinary tract infections (UTIs) encompasses several progressive stages, beginning with bacterial colonization and culminating in potential systemic complications if untreated. UTIs are primarily initiated by bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, which often originate from the gastrointestinal tract and migrate to the urinary system through the periurethral area. This migration can occur via several routes, including improper hygiene practices, sexual activity, or...
Gastritis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Gastritis II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of gastritis begins with the colonization of the stomach lining by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This bacterium spreads mainly via the oral-oral route through saliva or shared utensils, and can also be transmitted in overcrowded or unhygienic environments through contaminated water, despite its brief survival outside the body.ColonizationOnce ingested, H. pylori enters the stomach and begins colonization by navigating through the mucus layer lining the stomach wall. It...