Acanthamoeba castellanii as a model for unveiling Campylobacter jejuni host-pathogen dynamics

The persistence of Campylobacter jejuni in the natural environment, despite its microaerophilic nature, continues to be a subject of active investigation. Its survival and persistence likely stem from a combination of factors, including interactions with amoebae. C. jejuni transiently interacts with Acanthamoebae and this is thought to provide protection against unfavourable conditions and prime the bacteria for interactions with warm-blooded hosts. Acanthamoebae play vital roles in ecosystems by preying on microorganisms and establishing ecological niches with various bacterial species, some of which are clinically important pathogens. To gain a better understanding on the role of Acanthamoebae in the persistence of C. jejuni in the natural environment, we examined their interactions at the molecular level.

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