Research Projects

Abstract

Foodborne illnesses represent a public health challenge, and Campylobacter jejuni is the leading global cause of gastroenteritis. However, incidence and prevalence of campylobacteriosis is still increasing and is accompanied by increased persistence of multidrug resistant strains. Food and food processing surfaces represent ideal environments for biofilm formation, with sufficient nutrients available for microbial growth and attachment. On food processing surfaces, biofilms are a challenge to food safety and human health, as they persist and become a source of cross-contamination with multi-resistant microorganisms. This provides the fragile and fastidious microaerophilic planktonic Campylobacter cells with significant benefits, with reports on the “Campylobacter paradox” confirming that biofilms have a vital role in transmission of infection from animal reservoirs to humans. The project will provide understanding of Campylobacter biofilms, with focus on Campylobacter extracellular polymeric substances and the role of biofilms as a tool in social communication with other bacteria. The knowledge realized through the proposed project will reveal the Campylobacter properties involved in multispecies multi-stage biofilm formation, to provide novel targets for effective global strategies to reduce and control Campylobacter contamination and infection.

The phases of the project and their realization

WP1: Campylobacter biofilm-social interaction

T 1.1: Campylobacter co-culture biofilm

T 1.2: Biofilm examined by transcriptome

T 1.3:  Biofilm examined by proteome

T 1.4:  Genes of interest involved in biofilm

Realization in month of project: from 1 to 24 month

WP2: Campylobacter EPS and biofilm structure  

T 2.1: Extraction of EPS

T 2.2: Characterization of EPS - polysaccharide

T 2.3: Characterization of EPS - protein

T 2.4: Characterization of EPS - eDNA

Realization in month of project: from 1 to 27 month

WP3: Campylobacter biofilm communication

T 3.1: Signalling

T 3.2: Horizontal gene transfer

Realization in month of project: from 10 to 33 month

WP4: Campylobacter biofilm formation, virulence

T 4.1: Motility

T 4.2: Adhesion

T 4.3: Morphology

T 4.4: Virulence

Realization in month of project: from 10 to 33 month

WP5: Innovative strategies and management

T 5.1: Data integration and proposed strategies

T 5.2: Meetings and reports

Realization in month of project: from 1 to 36 month

Project partners

• Jožef Stefan Institute
• NIB - National institute Of Biology
• OMEGA d.o.o.
• MF UM - Faculty of Medicine University of Maribor