Stimulation of Surface Polysaccharide Production under Aerobic Conditions Confers Aerotolerance in Campylobacter jejuni.

ABSTRACT: The ability of a foodborne pathogen to tolerate environmental stress critically affects food safety by increasing the risk of pathogen survival and transmission in the food supply chain. Campylobacter jejuni, a leading bacterial cause of foodborne illnesses, is an obligate microaerophile and is sensitive to atmospheric levels of oxygen. Currently, the molecular mechanisms of how C. jejuni withstands oxygen toxicity under aerobic conditions have not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we show that when exposed to aerobic conditions, C. jejuni develops a thick layer of bacterial capsules, which in turn protect C. jejuni under aerobic conditions. The presence of both capsular polysaccharides and lipooligosaccharides is required to protect C. jejuni from excess oxygen in oxygen-rich environments

SUBMITTER: Kim J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10100837 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature