The Use of Interdisciplinary Approaches to Understand the Biology of Campylobacter jejuni

Abstract

Campylobacter jejuni is a bacterial pathogen recognised as a major cause of foodborne illness worldwide. While Campylobacter jejuni generally does not grow outside its host, it can survive outside of the host long enough to pose a health concern. This review presents an up-to-date description and evaluation of biological, mathematical, and statistical approaches used to understand the behaviour of this foodborne pathogen and suggests future avenues which can be explored. Specifically, the incorporation of mathematical modelling may aid the understanding of C. jejuni biofilm formation both outside and inside the host. Predictive studies may be improved by the introduction of more standardised protocols for assessments of disinfection methods and by assessment of novel physical disinfection strategies as well as assessment of the efficiency of plant extracts on C. jejuni eradication. A full description of the metabolic pathways of C. jejuni, which is needed for the successful application of metabolic models, is yet to be achieved. Finally, a shift from animal models (except for those that are a source of human campylobacteriosis) to human-specific data may be made possible due to recent technological advancements, and this may lead to more accurate predictions of human infections.

Keywords: biological models; foodborne pathogens; infection control; mathematical models; multiscale descriptions; statistical models.

Figure 1

Schematic diagram of the disciplines discussed in this review, which were employed to study Campylobacter jejuni species.

Figure 2

Generic representation of the life cycle of biofilms. Cells in a planktonic state migrate and attach to the surface. Attached cells form microcolonies by reproduction and generation of extracellular products that together form a biofilm matrix. Over time microcolonies begin to merge, and a mature biofilm emerges. Eventually, some cells detach from the biofilm and return to the planktonic state.

Figure 3

Illustration of C. jejuni biofilm formation. Figure taken from “Flagella mediated adhesion and extracellular DNA release contribute to biofilm formation and stress tolerance of Campylobacter jejuni” by Svennson et al. [14] (reprinted under an open access license).