Influence of mutation in cj0183 and cj0588 genes for colonization abilities of Campylobacter jejuni in Caco-2 cells using confocal laser scanning microscope

The cj0183 and cj0588 genes identified in the Campylobacter jejuni NCTC 11168 genome encode proteins with homology to virulence factors found in other bacteria. Previous studies showed that single mutation in the cj0183 gene does not affect adhesion of C. jejuni to the Caco-2 cell line whereas protein encoded by cj0588 is involved in adherence to the Caco-2 cells. In the presented study differences in invasion index were observed between mutants in both genes and single mutation of cj0588 in 81116 and 81-176 C. jejuni strains. This fact indicates that Cj0183 protein might play some role in invasion of bacteria into host cells.