NC_003912:472000 Campylobacter jejuni RM1221, complete genome
Host Lineage: Campylobacter jejuni; Campylobacter; Campylobacteraceae; Campylobacterales; Proteobacteria; Bacteria
General Information: This strain (RM1221; ATCC BAA-1062) was isolated from the skin of a retail chicken by the Produce Safety and Microbiology Research Unit (Western Regional Research Center, Albany, CA) and minimally passaged. Causes food poisoning. This organism is the leading cause of bacterial food poisoning (campylobacteriosis) in the world, and is more prevalent than Salmonella enteritis (salmonellosis). Found throughout nature, it can colonize the intestines of both mammals and birds, and transmission to humans occurs via contaminated food products. This organism can invade the epithelial layer by first attaching to epithelial cells, then penetrating through them. Systemic infections can also occur causing more severe illnesses.