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Updated: Mar 29, 2026

Author Spotlight: Development of an Enhanced Protocol for Rapid and Accurate Isolation of Campylobacter from Food Products
Published on: February 23, 2024
Campylobacter jejuni sequence types show remarkable spatial and temporal stability in Blackbirds
Petra Griekspoor1, Philip M Hansbro2, Jonas Waldenström3,4
1Section for Zoonotic Ecology and Epidemiology, Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial Model Systems (EEMiS), School of Natural Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden; petra.griekspoor@lnu.se.
Campylobacter jejuni strains from European Blackbirds in Sweden, Australia, and The Azores show remarkable genetic similarity. This indicates strong host specificity and temporal stability in these bacterial populations.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Campylobacter jejuni is a zoonotic bacterium commonly found in birds.
- Previous research suggests host-associated genotypes of C. jejuni in European thrushes.
- The European Blackbird (Turdus merula) has a wide distribution and was introduced to Australia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the host specificity and temporal stability of C. jejuni in European Blackbirds.
- To compare C. jejuni isolates from geographically isolated populations of European Blackbirds.
Main Methods:
- Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was used to analyze C. jejuni isolates.
- Isolates were collected from European Blackbirds in Sweden, Australia, and The Azores.
Main Results:
- C. jejuni isolates from Sweden, Australia, and The Azores were genetically highly similar.
- This genetic similarity persisted despite significant spatial and temporal separation.
- European Blackbird C. jejuni exhibited exquisite specificity and stability, contrasting with poultry strains.
Conclusions:
- Strong purifying selection maintains host-specific C. jejuni genotypes in European Blackbirds.
- This suggests a stable host-pathogen relationship over time and distance.
- Findings highlight bacterial adaptation and host specificity in avian populations.
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