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Chemotactic behavior of Campylobacter jejuni
M B Hugdahl1, J T Beery, M P Doyle
1Department of Food Microbiology and Toxicology, University of Wisconsin-Madison 53706.
Infection and Immunity
|June 1, 1988
Summary
Campylobacter jejuni exhibits chemotaxis towards specific nutrients like L-fucose and certain amino acids and organic acids. This behavior may explain its preference for the gallbladder and intestinal tract.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
- Chemotaxis
Background:
- Campylobacter jejuni is a significant foodborne pathogen.
- Understanding bacterial chemotaxis is crucial for controlling infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the chemotactic responses of Campylobacter jejuni.
- To identify specific chemoattractants and chemorepellents for C. jejuni.
Main Methods:
- Testing the chemotactic behavior of C. jejuni.
- Exposure to various amino acids, carbohydrates, organic acids, mucin, and bile constituents.
Main Results:
- L-Fucose was the sole carbohydrate chemoattractant.
- L-aspartate, L-cysteine, L-glutamate, and L-serine were identified as amino acid chemoattractants.
- Several organic acid salts (pyruvate, succinate, fumarate, citrate, malate, alpha-ketoglutarate) and mucin were chemoattractant.
- Bile and most individual bile constituents were chemorepellents, except for mucin components.
Conclusions:
- Specific nutrients and host-associated molecules influence C. jejuni chemotaxis.
- L-fucose's chemoattractant properties may contribute to C. jejuni colonization in the gallbladder and intestines.