Campylobacter

• What is the origin of the name Campylobacter?

  Derived from Greek words meaning "curved rod."
• Why was Campylobacter classified separately from Vibrio?

  Because it does not ferment carbohydrates and differs in DNA content.
• What taxa belong to the same phylogenetic group as Campylobacter?

  • Campylobacter
  • Arcobacter
  • Helicobacter
  • Wolinella
  • Flexispera
• What are the characteristics of Campylobacter spp.?

  Motile, non-spore-forming, comma-shaped, gram-negative rods.
• At what temperature does C. jejuni grow best?

  42 degrees Celsius.
• What type of environment do Campylobacter spp. prefer?

  Micro-aerophilic and capnophilic environments.
• What is the prevalence of Campylobacter infections in healthy individuals?

  Very low, less than 1%.
• What factors influence the pathogenesis of Campylobacter infections?

  The dose of the organism, virulence of the strain, and host immunity.
• What are the main routes of Campylobacter transmission?

  Faeco-oral, unpasteurized milk, poultry ingestion, and waterborne.
• What is the infectious dose of Campylobacter?

  1000-10,000 bacteria.
• What symptoms are associated with Campylobacter infection?

  Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
• What is the incubation period for Campylobacter infection?

  1. 7 days.
• What is the significance of PEB 1 in Campylobacter jejuni?

  It is a major adhesin conserved among C. jejuni strains.
• How does Campylobacter jejuni affect epithelial cells?

  It invades and destroys epithelial cells.
• What type of enterotoxin is produced by some strains of C. jejuni?

  A heat-labile, cholera-like enterotoxin.
• What is the role of CDT in Campylobacter infections?

  It produces a cell block at the G2 stage preceding mitosis.
• What is the relationship between Campylobacter infections and immunity in individuals with AIDS?

  Severity and persistence of infections indicate the importance of both cell-mediated and humoral immunity.
• What are the common clinical presentations of Campylobacter infections?

  • Asymptomatic to severe colitis
  • History of ingestion of undercooked poultry, unpasteurized milk, or untreated water
  • Symptoms: fever, headache, myalgias, abdominal pain, and diarrhea
• What is a common complication of Campylobacter infections?

  Toxic megacolon.
• What laboratory tests are used for the diagnosis of Campylobacter infections?

  Fecal sample analysis, Gram stain, and selective media culture.
• What is the purpose of the hippurate hydrolysis test?

  To presumptively identify Campylobacter jejuni.
• What is the mainstay of treatment for Campylobacter infections?

  Replacement of fluids and electrolytes.
• What factors indicate the need for antibiotic treatment in Campylobacter infections?

  High fever, bloody diarrhea, excessive bowel movements, and persistence of symptoms.
• What preventive measures can be taken against Campylobacter infections?

  • Pasteurization of milk
  • Chlorination of drinking water
  • Proper cooking of chicken
  • Separate cutting boards for animal and other foods
• What is a significant characteristic of C. coli?

  It accounts for 5-10% of enteritis in humans.
• What is the significance of C. fetus in human infections?

  It can cause systemic illnesses in debilitated individuals.
• What is the prognosis for Campylobacter infections?

  Generally excellent, as the disease is almost always self-limited.
• What are the complications associated with Campylobacter infections?

  • Toxic megacolon
  • Pseudomembranous colitis
  • Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
  • Reactive arthritis
  • Bacteremia
  • Endocarditis
• What is a distinguishing feature of C. jejuni subsp. doylei?

  It does not reduce nitrates.
• What is the role of selective media in the laboratory diagnosis of Campylobacter?

  It is needed for successful isolation of the organism.
• How do the characteristics of Campylobacter spp. complicate their laboratory identification?

  They have minimal biochemical tests due to high similarity in properties.
• What are the key characteristics of Vibrio spp.?

  • Gram-negative
  • Comma-shaped
  • Found in aquatic environments
  • Associated with gastrointestinal diseases
• What percentage of enteritis in humans is accounted for by <i>juni</i>?

  5 to 10%
• How can <i>juni</i> be differentiated from <i>c. jejuni</i>?

  By the hippurate hydrolysis test
• What is the result of the hippurate hydrolysis test for <i>C. coli</i>?

  Negative
• What type of infections does <i>C. fetus</i> subsp. fetus infrequently cause in humans?

  Systemic illnesses in debilitated individuals
• What conditions can <i>C. fetus</i> subsp. fetus lead to in humans?

  Proctitis and proctocolitis
• What is a potential outcome of <i>C. fetus</i> infection in pregnant women?

  Premature labor and neonatal sepsis
• What is <i>C. jejuni</i> subsp. doylei known for?

  Being a new subspecies isolated from humans
• What biochemical characteristic does <i>C. jejuni</i> subsp. doylei exhibit?

  Does not reduce nitrates