Campylobacter

• How many species are included in the genus Campylobacter?

  14 species
• What are the three groups into which the genus Campylobacter has been split?


  • Arcobacter
  • Helicobacter
  • Campylobacter
• What is the prototype species of intestinal infection in Campylobacter?

  Campylobacter jejuni
• Which Campylobacter species is considered the prototype of extraintestinal infection?

  Campylobacter fetus
• What are the characteristics of Campylobacter pathogens?

  • Motile, non-sporing, comma-shaped Gram-negative rods
  • Microaerophilic organisms (5-10% oxygen)
  • Prefer mesophilic temperature (37°C)
  • C. jejuni is best isolated at 42°C
  • Slow-growing organism
• What type of environment do Campylobacter organisms require for growth?

  Microaerophilic conditions with 5-10% oxygen
• What is the typical temperature preference for Campylobacter growth?

  37c
• What is the zoonotic nature of Campylobacteriosis?

  It is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of various animals.
• Which animals are commonly associated with Campylobacter infections?

  Cattle, swine, goats, dogs, rodents, and fowl
• What is a common source of human Campylobacter infections?

  Animal origins, particularly through contaminated meat
• How does Campylobacteriosis typically affect infected animals?

  It may result in morbidity or mortality for the carrier.
• What is the significance of lifelong carriage in colonized animals?

  It indicates that most colonized animals can carry the bacteria without showing symptoms.
• What percentage of non-epidemic infections is attributed to undercooked meat?

  50-70%
• What factors increase the risk of Campylobacter infection in homosexual men?

  A variety of sexual practices
• What is the peak incidence age group for Campylobacter infections in developed countries?

  Children under 1 year and 15-20 year-olds
• How has the incidence of Campylobacter infections changed in Europe and the Americas?

  It has decreased due to improved hygienic practices.
• How does the epidemiology of Campylobacter infections differ in developing countries?


  C. jejuni infections are common in the first five years of life.
• What are the pathogenic factors for Campylobacter infections?

  The dose of organisms, virulence of the strain, and host immunity.
• Patients taking H2 receptor or proton pump inhibitors are affected by Campylobacter in what way?

  Increased risk of infection
• What are the clinical presentations of Campylobacter jejuni infection?

  • Acute enteritis within 24-72 hours of ingestion
  • Crampy abdominal pain that eases with defecation
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Chills and fever (prodrome) preceding diarrhea
• What laboratory methods are used for diagnosing Campylobacter infections?

  Direct examination of feces, isolation of organisms, and serologic methods.
• What microscopy techniques are useful in the acute phase of Campylobacter illness?

  Dark field or phase contrast microscopy.
• What is the significance of detecting RBCs and WBCs in stool samples?

  They are present in 75% of infections.
• What selective media are used for isolating Campylobacter species?

  • Skirrow's blood agar
  • Charcoal-based blood-free selective media
  • Butzler's selective medium
• What is the purpose of filtration methods in laboratory diagnosis of Campylobacter?

  To isolate Campylobacter based on their small size.
• How long does it typically take for Campylobacter colonies to appear on culture?

  48-96 hours
• What indicates presumptive identification of Campylobacter jejuni in culture?

  Growth on a Campylobacter selective medium at 42°C.
• What is the appearance of Campylobacter colonies on selective media?

  Flat, grey, irregular shaped colonies; either dry or moist.
• What is the significance of Gram staining 24-48 hour colonies of C. jejuni?

  It shows S-shaped or gull-winged forms.
• What are the differential characteristics of Campylobacter and related species?

  • Over 90 different serotypes based on somatic (O) antigen
  • 50 different serotypes based on capsular and flagella antigens
• What is the primary treatment for Campylobacter infections?

  Fluid and electrolyte replacement.
• When are antibiotics used in Campylobacter infections?

  In severe infections with high-grade fever and bloody diarrhea.
• What is the treatment of choice for severe Campylobacter infections?

  Erythromycin
• What preventive measures can be taken against Campylobacter infections?

  • Thorough cooking of poultry and other animal-origin foods
  • Meticulous preparation of food to prevent cross-contamination
• What is the prognosis for most patients with Campylobacter infections?

  Full recovery occurs in most patients.
• What are potential complications of Campylobacter enteritis?

  Reactive arthritis and Guillain-Barre syndrome.
• In which population can Campylobacter enteritis occasionally result in death?

  In the elderly.
• Campylobacter is the most common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide
• C. jejuni causes diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, myalgia, arthralgia, and fatigue
• Infection with C. jejuni can lead to Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), an autoimmune disorder that affects the nervous system.