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Pyruvate relieves the necessity of high induction levels of catalase and enables Campylobacter jejuni to grow under fully aerobic conditions
Author(s) -
VerhoeffBakkenes L.,
Arends A.P.,
Snoep J.L.,
Zwietering M.H.,
De Jonge R.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
letters in applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.698
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1472-765X
pISSN - 0266-8254
DOI - 10.1111/j.1472-765x.2008.02326.x
Subject(s) - campylobacter jejuni , catalase , microbiology and biotechnology , campylobacteriosis , pyruvic acid , oxygen , oxidative stress , food science , chemistry , biology , sodium pyruvate , bacteria , biochemistry , genetics , organic chemistry
Abstract Aims: Several cases of campylobacteriosis reported worldwide seemingly conflict with the strict growth requirements and sensitivity to environmental stress of Campylobacter jejuni . In this study, the need for a micro‐aerobic environment [dissolved oxygen tension (DOT): 0·1–90%; 100% air saturation)] and the adaptive responses to oxygen stress were studied. Methods and Results: The growth of C. jejuni in continuous culture was assessed under different DOT in the presence or absence of pyruvate. In a medium without pyruvate, continuous cultures of C. jejuni showed typically micro‐aerobic behaviour and cells were unable to grow under fully aerobic conditions. However in the presence of pyruvate (25 mmol l −1 ), continuous cultures of C. jejuni were able to grow in a broad DOT range, varying from 0·1% to at least 90%, and the catalase activity was decreased. Conclusions: Addition of pyruvate results in the decrease in the concentration of hydrogen peroxide, which enables C. jejuni to grow aerobically. Significance and Impact of the Study: New information on the oxidative physiology of C. jejuni and its ability to grow aerobically in media supplemented with pyruvate is presented.