Campylobacter concisus- an emerging gastrointestinal pathogen?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Comparative virulence of Campylobacter concisus and Campylobacter jejuni using a novel in vitro model.
IRAS ID
145345
Contact name
Angad Kumar
Contact email
Research summary
Campylobacter concisus, has been implicated as a potential emerging diarrhoea-associated pathogen of the gastrointestinal tract, however, its exact role remains controversial. In addition to its role in gastroenteritis, there is also evidence to suggest that C. concisus may be associated with chronic inflammatory bowel disease; Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Confusion has arisen as this microbe is also found in the mouth as part of the normal microbial flora, complicating interpretation of its significance. Conversely, its close relative, Campylobacter jejuni, is an established leading cause of infective diarrhoea.
Campylobacter concisus is difficult to grow in the laboratory and current diagnostic methods are unlikely to allow its recovery. In consequence, this organism is currently likely to be overlooked by use of commonly used laboratory protocols. It is important to obtain “fresh” isolates as those that have been adapted to growth under laboratory conditions may not truly represent those found in humans, or indeed other animal species. Furthermore, it is possible that those isolates from healthy individuals may be different from those with disease. Similarly, those from the mouth may differ from those in the gastrointestinal tract.
In order to decipher the role of C. concisus and mechanisms by which it might evoke an inflammatory response in the human gastrointestinal tract, we intend to develop a laboratory human tissue culture infection model. We will compare the invasion of host cells by C. concisus and compare this with the established pathogen, C. jejuni. We will also use molecular methods to profile isolates from healthy and diseased sites in those with inflammatory bowel disease, and between humans with gastrointestinal symptoms and those without. Collectively these studies will enable us to assess specific traits correlated with ability to cause disease and to assess the mechanisms by which host damage may be caused.
REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/WM/1079
Date of REC Opinion
13 Aug 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion