Development of a Universal DNA Microarray to Investigate Genome Diversity in Campylobacter Jejuni

C. jejuni is the major cause of food-borne gastrointestinal disease and is an acknowledged clinical and economic problem. C. jejuni causes a wide spectrum of disease which is partly reflected by strain heterogeneity. The genetic basis for C. jejuni diversity is poorly understood. Recently the applicant has constructed a DNA microarray containing all 1654 genes from C. jejuni NCTC11168. <P>
Using a combination of whole-genome long range PCR and subtractive hybridisation, additional genes from 90 isolates of diverse origins will be characterised and added to the NCTC11168 microarray. The new universal DNA microarray will be used to assess the genome diversity of over 300 C. jejuni strains of known origin and phenotype. <P>These studies will provide novel insights into the pathogenicity, molecular epidemiology and evolution of virulence of the organism and should lead to rationale intervention strategies to eliminate C. jejuni from the food chain.