Sequence type and temperature predicts carbon utilisation in Campylobacter jejuni. Campylobacter jejuni subsp. jejuni

The pattern of carbon utilisation at 42°C showed C. jejuni isolates clustered by sequence type but the ST2381 lineage split into two groups not based the degree of MLST relatedness. This pattern suggests by itself host association did not have a uniform effect on phenotype and there may be other important factors such as different niches within the gastro-intestinal system. Two new carbon sources, quinic acid and N-acetyl-L-glutamic acid were utilized by some of the isolates at 42°C. These isolates are associated with the environment and wild birds suggesting investigation of C. jejuni in wild birds will reveal more phenotypic variation as currently we have predominantly information on ST associated with livestock. The phenotypic profile at 22°C showed fewer carbon sources being utilized compared to 42°C (7 and 29 respectively). The carbon sources showing activity at 22°C were closely related to the TCA cycle. This suggests the ability of C. jejuni to survive at low temperatures is due to a profound alteration in metabolic activity.