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In vitro permeation of human chorioamniotic membranes by Campylobacter jejuni
K S Diker1, T Gurgan, R Haziroglu
1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Turkey.
Abstract:
In vitro penetration of human chorioamniotic membranes by Campylobacter jejuni was investigated by an organ culture model. Membrane permeation was detected by an immunoperoxidase technique and viable bacterial counts of membrane homogenates. Human clinical isolates of C. jejuni inoculated on the maternal side of the membranes penetrated to the fetal side suggesting that chorioamniotic membranes constituted a weak barrier against Campylobacter infection. Chicken fecal isolates did not penetrate chorioamniotic membranes. In vitro culture conditions did not affect the viability of membranes. Human placental extracts and amniotic fluids enhanced the in vitro growth of C. jejuni. These results suggest that certain strains of C. jejuni may penetrate intact fetal membranes and this event may play a role in the pathogenesis of infection.
Insights
Certain human strains of Campylobacter jejuni can penetrate intact chorioamniotic membranes, suggesting a potential role in pregnancy infections. Chicken isolates did not show this invasive capability.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis.
- Vertical transmission of C. jejuni to the fetus during pregnancy is a concern.
- The ability of C. jejuni to cross the chorioamniotic barrier is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro penetration of human chorioamniotic membranes by Campylobacter jejuni.
- To determine if human clinical isolates of C. jejuni can breach the fetal membranes.
- To assess the role of human placental extracts and amniotic fluids on C. jejuni growth.
Main Methods:
- Organ culture model using human chorioamniotic membranes.
- Immunoperoxidase technique to detect membrane permeation.
- Viable bacterial counts of membrane homogenates.
- In vitro culture of C. jejuni with human placental extracts and amniotic fluids.
Main Results:
- Human clinical isolates of C. jejuni successfully penetrated the chorioamniotic membranes from the maternal to the fetal side.
- Chicken fecal isolates of C. jejuni did not penetrate the membranes.
- In vitro culture conditions maintained membrane viability.
- Human placental extracts and amniotic fluids promoted C. jejuni growth in vitro.
Conclusions:
- Human chorioamniotic membranes represent a weak barrier against certain strains of Campylobacter jejuni.
- Campylobacter jejuni penetration of fetal membranes may contribute to the pathogenesis of pregnancy infections.
- Further research is warranted to understand the clinical implications of C. jejuni membrane penetration.