Reversible expression of Flagella in Campylobacter jejuni

Abstract

Campylobacter jejuni 81116 and A3249 undergo a bidirectional transition between flagellated (Fla+) and aflagellated (Fla-) phenotypes. When measured in culture medium, the Fla+ → Fla- transition occurred at a rate of 3.1 x 10-3 to 5.9 x 10-3 per cell per generation, and the Fla- to Fla+ transition occurred at a rate of 4.0 x 10-7 to 8.0 x 10-7 per cell per generation. However, passage through a rabbit intestine markedly favored the Fla+ phenotype.