Campylobacter jejuni: Molecular Mechanisms and Animal Models of Colonization and Disease

Campylobacters infect and sicken millions of people per year and cause a great deal of mortality in the youth of developing nations. This chapter discusses general characteristics of Campylobacter jejuni and describes colonization and virulence factors. It outlines a model for C. jejuni invasion of host cells with a discussion of C. jejuni colonization and disease models focusing on the different in vivo hosts currently utilized. The chapter describes the general assay used to determine C. jejuni adherence to and invasion of host cells. In vivo models of both Campylobacter colonization and disease are essential to better understand Campylobacter virulence factors and pathogenesis relating to human infection. These models allow for controlled study of symptoms, evaluation of host immune responses, determination of bacterial virulence factors, comparison to in vitro model results, and evaluation of new therapeutics or vaccines.