Toxin production by Campylobacter spp

Abstract

Of all the virulence factors that were proposed for Campylobacter jejuni and related species to cause disease in humans, the discovery of toxin production was the most promising but led to a rather confusing and even disappointing stream of data. The discussion of whether proteinaceous exotoxins are relevant in disease remains open. One important reason for this lack of consensus is the anecdotal nature of the literature reports. To provide a basis for an unbiased opinion, this review compiles all described exotoxins, compares their reported properties, and provides a summary of animal model studies and clinical data. The toxins are divided into enterotoxins and cytotoxins and are sorted according to their biochemical properties. Since many Campylobacter toxins have been compared with toxins of other species, some key examples of the latter are also discussed. Future directions of toxin research that appear promising are defined.

Campylobacter jejuni: Enterocolitis and myopericarditis

“…However; the short interval of about 2 to 4 days between the infection and the onset of the cardiac complication in most of the reported cases, makes an immunological aetiology also unlikely and may indicate an immediate influence of C. jejuni on myocytes through either direct damage or through circulating toxins. C. jejuni is known to produce a variety of exotoxines with cytotoxic, haemolytic and hepatotoxic effects, but none is known to cause cardiotoxicity [6]. The few reported patients that had a longer interval between the infection and the cardiac complications also had had arthritis, which may suggest immunological aetiology.…”

Lebensmittelbedingte Infektionen durch Campylobacter

“…Die Aufnahme des Erregers in enterale Wirtszellen erfolgt vermutlich über einen Mikrotubulus-abhängigen Mechanismus [30]. Bei Campylobacter jejuni sind in der Vergangenheit eine ganze Reihe von putativen Toxinen beschrieben worden [31]. Allerdings konnte bisher mit Ausnahme des so genannten Cytolethal-Distending-Toxin (CDT) keines molekulargenetisch charakterisiert werden [32].…”

Comparison ofIn VitroVirulence Factors ofCampylobacter jejunitoIn VivoLesion Production

“…Adherence of C. jejuni to cells has been shown to play a role in colonization (Pei et al, 1998) and may increase the local concentration of secreted bacterial products (Wassenaar, 1997). Adherence and invasion into epithelial cells are considered essential steps in producing cellular damage and intestinal disease (Fauchere et al, 1986).…”

“…Virulence properties include motility, adherence, invasion, and toxin production (Fauchere et al, 1992;Wassenaar, 1997).…”