Campylobacter biofilm phenotype exhibits reduced colonization potential in young chickens and altered in vitro virulence

Abstract

In this study, we evaluated the ability of different Campylobacter phenotypes (biofilm versus planktonic) to colonize young poultry. It has been suggested that a persistent Campylobacter biofilm reservoir may be involved in the initial contamination of poultry flocks. Campylobacter jejuni cultured adherent to agar was utilized as the biofilm model and C. jejuni cultured in broth was evaluated as the planktonic model. In 2 independent trials, 1-d-old broiler chicks were given 1 of 3 treatments: 1) 10(5) cfu.mL(-1) of C. jejuni cultured in broth, 2) 10(5) cfu.mL(-1) of C. jejuni cultured adherent to agar, or 3) no C. jejuni (negative control). Cecal contents of all birds were evaluated by culturing 12 d after the initial challenge with C. jejuni. In both trials, birds challenged with C. jejuni cultured in broth had approximately 3 to 4 log higher cecal Campylobacter concentration than birds challenged with C. jejuni cultured adherent to agar. Using 2 cell lines (INT 407 and DF1), virulence of C. jejuni cultured in broth versus adherent to agar also was evaluated by challenging monolayers of eukaryotic cells with 1 of 3 treatments: 1) 10(5) cfu.mL(-1) of C. jejuni cultured in broth, 2) 10(5) cfu.mL(-1) of C. jejuni cultured adherent to agar, or 3) no C. jejuni (negative control). The virulence study also showed differences of C. jejuni cultured in broth or agar in attachment and invasion abilities to tissue culture cells, but differences were not as consistent as with the chick colonization study. This study indicates that phenotype may play a role in colonization of chickens and virulence by C. jejuni.

Functional characterization of exopolyphosphatase/guanosine pentaphosphate phosphohydrolase (PPX/GPPA) ofCampylobacter jejuni

“…6,27 Furthermore, C. jejuni flagellar motility has also been implicated in biofilm formation. [41][42][43][44] As shown in B. cereus, 16 our data indicate that PPX/GPPA enzymes are required for the motility and biofilm formation. Although the motility was affected in both mutants, a pronounced defect was seen in the dkppx mutant, suggesting that C. jejuni ppx1/gppa and ppx2/gppa genes additively contribute to motility.…”

Biofilm Formation by Campylobacter jejuni Is Increased under Aerobic Conditions

“…A recent study postulated that biofilm-grown cells are poorer colonizers of chicks than planktonic cells (13). However, those investigators' model of the biofilm was agar-grown cells, and while this is an adherent lifestyle, it is perhaps not the on May 11, 2018 by guest http://aem.asm.org/ most appropriate biofilm model.…”

Poultry as a Host for the Zoonotic PathogenCampylobacter jejuni

“…C. jejuni survival in water is promoted by several factors, including biofilm formation and possibly the viable but nonculturable state, in which C. jejuni enters when outside a suitable host (Sparks 2009). Biofilm formation has, however, been associated with decreased colonization potential in 1-day-old broiler chicks (Hanning et al 2009). Viable but nonculturable C. jejuni cells are not believed to have reduced ability to attach to surfaces and once attached they may persist undetectable and be introduced into the food chain as soon as they come into contact with animals or products (Duffy and Dykes 2009).…”