Genetic manipulation of Campylobacter: evaluation of natural transformation and electro-transformation

Abstract

Two methods, natural transformation and electro-transformation, for the introduction of DNA into nine strains of Campylobacter jejuni were compared. Both methods were successful with a limited number of strains. Natural transformation was efficient only for the introduction of C. jejuni chromosomal DNA, while electro-transformation was also applicable for the introduction of Escherichia coli-derived vector DNA into at least one C. jejuni strain. The efficiency of DNA recombination after entry was determined using C. jejuni chromosomal DNA containing disrupted flagellin genes of C. jejuni or suicide vectors containing a portion of these genes. In the latter case, DNA recombination occurred with as little as 200-bp homology present, indicating that only short homologous DNA segments are required.