Unique Features of a Highly Pathogenic <i>Campylobacter jejuni</i> Strain

TLDR

Campylobacter jejuni is a major human enteric pathogen with strain-to-strain differences that affect pathogenic potential, and strain 81‑176 is a highly virulent isolate widely used in research. The authors sequenced the genome of strain 81‑176 and compared it to other sequenced C. jejuni genomes.

Abstract

Campylobacter jejuni, a major human enteric pathogen, exhibits significant strain-to-strain differences which result in differences in pathogenic potential. C. jejuni 81-176 is a highly virulent strain that exhibits unique pathogenic features and is used by many research laboratories. We have determined the nucleotide sequence of its genome and compared it to the genomes of other sequenced C. jejuni strains. We identified a number of unique genetic features which may confer specific metabolic and pathogenic properties on this strain. We have also identified regions of the C. jejuni genome that are hot spots for the integration of horizontally acquired genetic material. This information should help the understanding of the pathogenesis of C. jejuni and, in particular, the unique features of this highly pathogenic strain.