Comparative Genomics Reveals Unique Genetic Determinants of Biofilm Formation in Campylobacter

A biofilm is a complex microbial community that protects bacterial cells from various stressors, including harsh environmental conditions, antimicrobial treatments, and host immune responses. This protective capability enhances <i>Campylobacter</i> survival during food processing and storage and facilitates transmission to humans. Despite their importance, the molecular mechanisms underlying <i>Campylobacter</i> biofilm formation and its impact on pathogen persistence remain poorly understood. In this study, we characterized the biofilm-forming ability of 18 <i>C. jejuni</i> and <i>C. coli</i> strains isolated from retail meat and performed whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomic analysis to identify strain-specific genes contributing to biofilm formation and maintenance. Phenotypic analysis revealed that <i>C. jejuni</i> strains YH001 and YH027 exhibited the strongest biofilm-forming capacity, producing the highest biomass among all isolates. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a close genetic relationship between these two strains, while pangenome analysis identified 19 unique genes/proteins specific to these strains. Functional annotation indicated their critical roles in adhesion, extracellular matrix production, and stress response. These findings demonstrate strain-specific biofilm formation in <i>Campylobacter</i> and highlight genetic determinants that may serve as targets for novel therapeutic approaches and intervention strategies to disrupt biofilms, improve food safety, and reduce persistent infections.