Campylobacter jejuni
| Categorization | |
|---|---|
| Cell Wall: Gram Negative | Shape: Curved Rod |
| Metabolism: Microaerophilic | |
| Transmission |
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- C. jejuni is a zoonotic organism and exists in a wide variety of animal species. Transmission is usually from ingestion of contaminated meats, especially birds such as poultry.
| Culture and Detection |
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- C. jejuni can be selectively grown at high temperatures of 42C that inhibit growth of most other enteric bacteria.
| Virulence Factors |
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- C. jejuni elaborates a variety of exotoxins including enterotoxins; however, how or whether these toxins actually contribute to disease is not known
| Clinical Consequences |
|---|
- Infection with C. jejuni causes a loose infectious diarrhea which may be bloody. Diarrhea usually requires several days to incubate, is normally self-limited, and may be accompanied by fever and abdominal pain. In a small minority of patients the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause bacteremia. The most notable complication of C. jejuni infection is Guillain-Barre Syndrome which may develop in a small fraction of cases following a delay of several weeks.
| Treatment |
|---|
- Treatment for mild cases is supportive. For severe cases erythromycin is recommended.