| This study used in vivo and in vitro models of infection to investigate Campylobacter jejuni colonization in newly-hatched chicks and the effects of C. jejuni on epithelial barrier function, in the presence and absence of epidermal growth factor (EGF). C. jejuni-infected chicks shed C. jejuni in their feces throughout the study period, without signs of diarrhea. C. jejuni colonized the small intestine, disseminated to extraintestinal organs, and caused jejunal villus atrophy. EGF prevented small intestinal colonization of C. jejuni, prevented C. jejuni-induced villus atrophy, and reduced the likelihood of C. jejuni dissemination to extraintestinal organs. In vitro, C. jejuni attached to and invaded SCBN cells, decreased expression of the tight junctional protein claudin-4 and increased epithelial permeability in SCBN cell monolayers. These C. jejuni-induced abnormalities were prevented by pre-treatment with EGF. The results suggest that EGF is protective against C. jejuni colonization, bacterial invasion, and microbially-induced intestinal barrier defects. |
