Non-colonising Mutant ofCampylobacter jejuni: Immunochemical Characteristics and Efficacy as a Vaccine in an Infant Mouse Model

Abstract

A mutant of Campylobacter jejuni strain 81116 arose spontaneously during laboratory subculture and was given the identification code of Mut. A/81116. Unlike the parent strain, this mutant lacked the ability to colonise the gut of 5-day-old infant mice. Comparative analysis of both strains showed that the mutant had retained the biochemical reactions, the Lior and Penner serotype, the flagella, and the SDS-PAGE protein profile of the parent strain. However, the mutant had reduced motility, could not colonise the gut of adult Balb/C mice following an intraperitoneal live vaccination and, unlike the parent strain, did not cause resorption of fetuses in pregnant Balb/C mice. In addition, immunoblotting showed minor differences in the 26-31 kDa region. Vaccines made from the mutant had reduced efficacy. The mutant has been lodged with the National Collection of Type Cultures Colindale, and designated NCTC 12189. Keywords - Campylobacter jejuni ; Infant mouse colonisation.