Abstract
Campylobacter jejuni is a major foodborne pathogen, and the LuxS-mediated quorum-sensing (QS) system influences its motility, biofilm formation, invasion, host colonization, and virulence. QS therefore represents a target for the control of C. jejuni. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of QS inhibition with changes in C. jejuni motility, adhesion to polystyrene surfaces, and adhesion to and invasion of INT407 cells. This was achieved by studying (i) the luxS-deficient mutant and (ii) treatment of C. jejuni with 20 natural extracts as six essential oils, 11 ethanolic extracts, and three pure compounds. Compared to the wild-type, the ΔluxS mutant showed decreased motility, adhesion to polystyrene surfaces, and invasion of INT407 cells. The anti-QS effects of the treatments (n = 15/20) were assayed using Vibrio harveyi BB170 bioluminescence. Moderate positive correlation was shown between C. jejuni QS reduction and reduced motility (τ = 0.492, p = 0.024), adhesion to polystyrene surfaces (τ = 0.419, p = 0.008), and invasion (r = 0.394, p = 0.068). The best overall effect was achieved with a Sedum rosea (roseroot) extract, with 96% QS reduction, a 1.41 log (96%) decrease in adhesion to polystyrene surfaces, and an 82% decrease in invasion. We show that natural extracts can reduce motility, adhesion to polystyrene surfaces, and invasion of INT407 cells by C. jejuni through modulation of the LuxS (QS) system.
Highlights
Campylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of the most commonly reported bacterial gastroenteritis, campylobacteriosis, worldwide
We show that natural extracts can reduce motility, adhesion to polystyrene surfaces, and invasion of INT407 cells by C. jejuni through modulation of the LuxS (QS) system
We investigated the modulation of the C. jejuni QS system by (i) knockout mutation of the luxS gene, which is responsible for AI-2 signal production, and (ii) treatments with 20 natural extracts
Summary
Campylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of the most commonly reported bacterial gastroenteritis, campylobacteriosis, worldwide. It is considered an important food-safety hazard, and the major route for its spread is via poultry. Campylobacteriosis rarely ends in death, when an infection is caused by a resistant strain, the likelihood of adverse effects increases by >5-fold [2,4,5]. These numbers are alarming, and they represent a major burden for human health and national economies. New targets for C. jejuni control and alternative options for its control are necessary
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