Campylobacter is a leading cause of bacterial diarrhea in the US, with an estimated 2.4 million cases annually. It is a gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria that infects people through contaminated food, water, or contact with infected animals. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, nausea and abdominal pain and usually occur 2 to 10 days after exposure. While most cases resolve without treatment, antibiotics may be used for severe cases. Complications can include meningitis, reactive arthritis, or Guillain-Barre syndrome. Prevention focuses on proper food handling and hygiene.

1. CampylobacterCampylobacter
Muni Venkatesh.P
Group 2

2. CampylobacterCampylobacter
Leading cause of bacterial diarrheal illness in
US
Estimated 2.4 million cases each year in the
US
In CA, there were 5,736 cases reported in
2001
Occurs as isolated, sporadic events, not as a
part of large outbreaks.
Children under five years and young adults
(15-29) are more frequently affected.

3. Typical OrganismsTypical Organisms
Gram-negative rods
with comma, S, or “gull-
wing” shapes.
Motive, with a single
polar flagellum
No spore & no capsule

4. CultureCulture
An atmosphere with reduced O2 (5% O2) with
added CO2 (10% CO2)
At 42 (for selection)℃
Several selective media can be used (eg,
Skirrow’s medium)
Two types of colonies:
 watery and spreading
 round and convex

6. Virulence FactorVirulence Factor
Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) with endotoxic
activity
Cytopathic extracellular toxins and enterotoxins
have been found

7. PathogenesisPathogenesis
The infection by oral route from food, drink, or
contact with infected animals or animal
products(Milk, meat products ).
Susceptible to gastric acid (about 104
organisums)

8. TransmissionTransmission
Contaminated food (particularly poultry)
Un-treated water
Unpasteurized milk
Contact with infected animals (particularly
cats and puppies).
Can be spread from person to person by the
fecal-oral route.

10. Poultry andPoultry and
CampylobacterCampylobacter
80% of poultry for
human consumption
is contaminated with
Campylobacter.

11. Campylobacter -Campylobacter -
symptomssymptoms
Symptoms of campylobacteriosis usually
occur within 2 to 10 days
Diarrhea (may contain blood or mucus)
Fever
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal Pain

13. TreatmentTreatment
Most infected persons with Campylobacter will
recover without any specific treatment.
In severe cases, antibiotics can be used.

14. ComplicationsComplications
Meningitis
Urinary tract infections
Septicemia
Reactive arthritis (rare and almost always
short-term)
Guillain-Barre syndrome, an unusual type of
paralysis (rare).

15. DiagnosticDiagnostic
Laboratory TestsLaboratory Tests
Specimens: Diarrheal stools
Smears: Gram-stained smears of stool may
show the typical “gull-shaped” rods.
Culture: (have been described above)

16. PreventionPrevention
To protect the public, anyone who is infected
with Campylobacter should not work as a
food handler, patient care provider, dairy
processor or child care provider until there is
no longer a risk of infecting others.