What does this research mean for the field?

During invasive infection, Campylobacter jejuni undergoes rapid within-host genomic microevolution, acquiring specific mutations such as the previously unreported GyrA Asp90Gly substitution that drive bloodstream persistence and increased fluoroquinolone resistance. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To characterize the within-patient genomic microevolution, adaptive mechanisms, and antimicrobial resistance dynamics of an invasive Campylobacter jejuni strain during bloodstream infection.

August 24, 2026Communications MedicineOpen Access

Within-patient genomic evolution of invasive Campylobacter jejuni associated with bloodstream persistence and antibiotic resistance

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Authors

VBVítor BorgesUniversidade Federal de Minas Gerais MLMaria-Leonor LemosUniversidade do Porto SFSusana Ferreira

Discussion

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Implication

Longitudinal genomic analysis reveals rapid microevolution and escalating drug resistance in invasive Campylobacter jejuni, highlighting mechanisms of bloodstream persistence.

Key Points

To characterize the within-patient genomic microevolution, adaptive mechanisms, and antimicrobial resistance dynamics of an invasive Campylobacter jejuni strain during bloodstream infection.
Performed whole-genome sequencing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing on serial C. jejuni isolates collected from patient stool (n = 1) and blood (n = 2) over approximately one month.
Identified microevolutionary changes including single-nucleotide polymorphisms, indels, and phase-variable loci following a 21-day ciprofloxacin treatment course.
Baseline isolates exhibited ciprofloxacin resistance (MIC = 16 mg/L) driven by the canonical GyrA Thr86Ile substitution; after 21 days of ciprofloxacin therapy, resistance escalated to an MIC of 128 mg/L alongside new moxifloxacin resistance (MIC > 32 mg/L).
Expanded fluoroquinolone resistance correlated with the emergence of a novel GyrA Asp90Gly substitution and a 1-bp deletion in the cmeABC efflux pump promoter region.
Identified dynamic phase variation during bloodstream persistence, including ON-phase switching of cell invasion protein A (CipA), alongside mutations in genes regulating motility, chemotaxis, envelope organization, and immune evasion.

Cite This Study

Borges et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a8c005bbca056c88e6df163 https://doi.org/10.1038/s43856-026-01865-3

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Implication

Longitudinal genomic analysis reveals rapid microevolution and escalating drug resistance in invasive Campylobacter jejuni, highlighting mechanisms of bloodstream persistence.

Within-patient genomic evolution of invasive Campylobacter jejuni associated with bloodstream persistence and antibiotic resistance

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Within-patient genomic evolution of invasive Campylobacter jejuni associated with bloodstream persistence and antibiotic resistance

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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