Transcellular translocation of Campylobacter jejuni across human polarisedepithelial monolayers

The mechanisms whereby Campylobacter jejuni translocates across the host in testinal epithelium are not yet understood and the transepithelial route re mains undefined. During C. jejuni translocation, the transmonolayer electri cal resistance (TER) across polarised monolayers of Caco-2 cells is not aff ected and the penetration of [C-14]inulin across the monolayers does nor in crease. Over 24 h, however, bacteria damage the monolayer integrity, causin g a decrease in the TER. These results support C. jejuni translocation thro ugh the cytoplasm of invaded cells (transcellular) rather than via intercel lular spaces (paracellular). (C) 1999 Federation of European Microbiologica l Societies. Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.