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Toxin production by Campylobacter spp

T M Wassenaar1

  • 1Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Mainz, Germany. wassen@mzdmza.zdv.uni-mainz.de

Clinical Microbiology Reviews
|July 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Campylobacter jejuni toxins remain controversial. This review compiles known exotoxins, analyzes their properties and clinical relevance, and suggests future research directions for understanding their role in human disease.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
  • Bacterial Pathogenesis
  • Toxinology

Background:

  • Campylobacter jejuni is a significant human pathogen.
  • The role of bacterial toxins in C. jejuni pathogenesis is debated.
  • Existing literature on C. jejuni toxins is often anecdotal, hindering consensus.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compile and critically review all described Campylobacter exotoxins.
  • To compare the properties and reported effects of these toxins.
  • To summarize evidence from animal models and clinical data regarding toxin relevance.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review of Campylobacter exotoxins.
  • Categorization of toxins into enterotoxins and cytotoxins based on biochemical properties.
  • Comparative analysis of Campylobacter toxins with those from other species.

Main Results:

  • A comprehensive catalog of C. jejuni exotoxins and related species is presented.
  • Reported properties and effects of various toxins are compared.
  • Evidence from animal and clinical studies is synthesized to assess toxin significance.

Conclusions:

  • The relevance of proteinaceous exotoxins in C. jejuni-induced disease requires further unbiased investigation.
  • This review provides a foundation for a clearer understanding of Campylobacter toxinology.
  • Future research should focus on defined areas to resolve current ambiguities in toxin function.

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