A Multiomic Analysis of Chicken Serum Revealed the Modulation of Host Factors Due to Campylobacter jejuni Colonization and In-Water Supplementation of Eugenol Nanoemulsion

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Campylobacter jejuni, a normal flora in the chicken gut, is one of the most common causes of bacterial gastroenteritis in humans, affecting approximately 95 million people worldwide. Carcass contamination at the processing plant through the leakage of gut contents can lead to foodborne illnesses when contaminated poultry or poultry products are consumed or improperly handled. This study focused on identifying host factors modulated by Campylobacter colonization in untreated chickens and those treated with phytochemical eugenol. We used a novel LCMS-based multiomics technology to identify the factors modulating the colonization of C. jejuni in broiler chickens. Three groups of broiler chickens were used: (1) negative control, (2) positive control, and (3) eugenol nanoemulsion (EGNE) treatment–supplemented with 0.125% EGNE in the water. Based on the multiomic analysis (proteins, lipids, and metabolites), we identified a few key host factors that were modulated with the colonization of C. jejuni. ABSTRACT: Campylobacter jejuni is a foodborne pathogen that causes campylobacteriosis globally, affecting ~95 million people worldwide. Most C. jejuni infections involve consuming and/or handling improperly cooked poultry meat. To better understand chicken host factors modulated by Campylobacter colonization, we explored a novel LCMS-based multiomic technology using three experimental groups: (1) negative control, (2) positive control, and (3) eugenol nanoemulsion (EGNE) treatment (supplemented with 0.125% EGNE in the water) of broiler chickens (n = 10 birds/group). Birds in groups two and three were challenged with C. jejuni on day 7, and serum samples were collected from all groups on day 14. Using this multiomic analysis, we identified 1216 analytes (275 compounds, seven inorganics, 407 lipids, and 527 proteins). The colonization of C. jejuni significantly upregulated CREG1, creatinine, and 3-[2-(3-Hydroxyphenyl) ethyl]-5-methoxyphenol and downregulated sphingosine, SP d18:1, high mobility group protein B3, phosphatidylcholines (PC) P-20:0_16:0, PC 11:0_26:1, and PC 13:0_26:2. We found that 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid significantly increased with the EGNE treatment when compared to the positive and negative controls. Additionally, the treatment increased several metabolites when compared to the negative controls. In conclusion, this study revealed several potential targets to control Campylobacter in broiler chickens.