New molecular microbiology approaches in the study of Campylobacter fetus

Abstract

SummaryCampylobacter fetus infection is a substantial problem in herds of domestic cattle worldwide and a rising threat in human disease. Application of comparative and functional genomics approaches will be essential to understand the molecular basis of this pathogen's interactions with various hosts. Here we report recent progress in genome analyses of C. fetus ssp. fetus and C. fetus ssp. venerealis, and the development of molecular tools to determine the genetic basis of niche‐specific adaptations. Campylobacter research has been strengthened by the rapid advancements in imaging technology occurring throughout microbiology. To move forward in understanding the mechanisms underlying C. fetus virulence, current efforts focus on developing suitable in vitro models to reflect host‐ and tissue‐specific aspects of infection.

Interbacterial Macromolecular Transfer by the Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis Type IV Secretion System

“…Current knowledge of genome composition and dynamics for this pathogen is rudimentary, but laterally acquired genes are predicted to contribute to the distinct niche preferences exhibited by this taxon (2,34). Experimental evidence for natural transformation is still lacking (8); thus, knowledge of gene mobilization via conjugative mechanisms is important in analyzing the emerging genome sequences of the C. fetus subspecies.…”

“…venerealis isolates attenuated invasion and cell-killing phenotypes in cultured human cell lines (28). Nonetheless, progress in understanding the role this chromosomally encoded T4SS plays in host-pathogen interactions remains challenging; this is due to the difficulty of manipulating the organism genetically and also to the current absence of wellcharacterized in vitro models of tissue-specific infection (34).…”

Draft Genome Sequence of Campylobacter fetus MMM01, Isolated from a Chronic Kidney Disease Patient with Sepsis

“…venerealis , which cause several kinds of diseases in humans and animals ( 1 , 2 ). The ecological niches of these subspecies are different, and they can be isolated from a variety of different hosts ( 3 , 4 ). Cases of bacteremia in humans, particularly immunocompromised individuals, due to C. fetus have been reported in recent years in several parts of the world ( 2 ).…”

New molecular techniques for pathogen analysis, in silico determination of RND efflux pump substrate specificity, shotgun proteomic monitoring of bioremediation and yeast bio‐applications

“…In the current issue of Microbial Biotechnology , Kienesberger and colleagues (2010 ) describe in detail the recent progress in molecular approaches applicable to the study of Campylobacter fetus , a microorganism of mounting importance due to the continued infection of domestic herds worldwide – leading to higher abortion rates – and the rising threat in human disease. The authors highlight the pathogenic cycle of Campylobacter and go on to discuss genome analyses, the mobile gene pool and molecular genetics, in particular the recent availability of several plasmid vectors for use in C. fetus .…”