Campylobacter Jejuni

WHAT IS IT?

Campylobacter jejuni is a gram negative, comma/S-shaped rod bacteria. It has polar flagella.

Gram stain of Campylobacter jejuni (source)
Gram stain of Campylobacter jejuni (source)
CULTURE CHARACTERISTICS

Oxidase positive 

Grows in 42°C media

TRANSMISSION

Fecal-oral route of transmission. This can include:

  • Person-to-person contact
  • Contact/ingestion of contaminated foods (poultry, meat, unpasteurized milk)
  • Contact with infected animals (dogs, cats, pigs).
CONDITIONS CAUSED

Gastroenteritis that is characterized by bloody diarrhea/abdominal cramps is very commonly caused by this pathogen (symptoms are a result of the pathogen colonizing the intestinal epithelium).

Guillain-Barré syndrome is commonly preceded by infection with this pathogen (not a proven cause of GBS!)

Reactive arthritis is also commonly preceded by infection with this pathogen.

TREATMENT

Azithromycin is commonly used to treat infection with this pathogen.

OTHER HY FACTS

Reservoir: the reservoir of this pathogen is animals.

 

Page Updated: 08.01.2016