Campylobacter upsaliensis: waiting in the wings

Abstract

Despite strong epidemiological evidence supporting an important role for Campylobacter upsaliensis as a human enteropathogen, it remains relatively unknown in the realm of clinical microbiology. Clinical studies indicate that infection with this organism usually is associated with benign self-limiting diarrhea. However, more serious illnesses, including spontaneous abortion and hemolytic-uremic syndrome, recently have been associated with human infections. Understanding of the virulence properties and molecular biology of C. upsaliensis is beginning to evolve. There is now a pressing need for controlled, prospective epidemiologic studies in addition to further in-depth investigation of the pathogenesis of this enteric campylobacter to more precisely define its role in human disease. Furthermore, since C. upsaliensis is sensitive to the antibiotics routinely used in Campylobacter selective media, widespread appreciation of the importance of this organism will rely on the development of widely applicable, effective techniques for its isolation.

FIG. 1

XhoI-generated macrorestriction patterns demonstrating genotypic heterogeneity among C. upsaliensis isolates. Reprinted from reference with permission of the publisher.

FIG. 2

Electron micrograph (magnification, ca. ×800) demonstrating HEp-2 cells with adherent C. upsaliensis organisms. Reprinted from reference with permission of the publisher.

FIG. 3

Physical genetic map of C. upsaliensis ATCC43954 generated with SalI, NarI, and BssHII. Reprinted (with a slight modification) from reference with permission of the publisher.

FIG. 4

Comparison of the gene arrangement downstream of fur in C. upsaliensis and C. jejuni. The upper diagram depicts the junction of the fur and lysS genes, and the lower diagram depicts the junction of the lysS and glyA genes. The C. upsaliensis (CU) DNA sequence is aligned above the respective C. jejuni (CJ) sequence. The deduced amino acid sequence for each organism is indicated above (C. upsaliensis) and below (C. jejuni) the respective nucleotide sequences. Asterisks indicate termination codons. Reprinted from reference with permission of the publisher.