Campylobacter is a genus of gram-negative, microaerophilic, curved rods that are common causes of foodborne illness in humans. The most common pathogenic species that infect humans are Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli. Campylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of bacterial diarrhea in the developed world. Campylobacter species are commonly found in the intestinal tracts of animals and can be transmitted to humans through contaminated food, water, or direct contact with infected animals. Symptoms in humans typically include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever within 1-7 days. Diagnosis involves isolating the bacteria from a stool sample and identifying it through microscopy and culture techniques.

1. Campylobacter
Greek word: Curved rods
Gram Negative 0.2-0.5microns thick
0.5-5 micro meters long
Motile
Non-sporing
Comma shaped
Polar flagella

2. Campylobacter species
Veterinary pathogens
C.coli
C.jejuni
C.lari
Extra intestinal pathogens
C.fetus
Abscesses causing pathogens
C.sputorum
C.conciscus

3. Survival of Campylobacter
 They are Microaerophilic.
 Can survive in 5% oxygen.
 They are thermophilic.
 Can take a 450c .

4. Infections by Campylobacter
In humans
 Dehydration
 Asymptomatic Diarrhea
 Bacteraemia
 Sepsis
 Meningitis
Veterinary
 Abortion in cattle.

5. Sources of infection
 Its a zoonotic infection meaning it spreads by the
animal to humans.
 It is present in animal and birds’ intestinal micro
flora.
 Found in water.
 It is self limited and organisms are shed after the
patients recovery by faeco-oral route.

6. Lab diagnosis
 Isolation of the pathogens from faeces.
 Direct microscopy, phase contrast/dark
field/motility.
 Gram staining.
 Faecal and rectal swabs plated on the selective
media.
 Campylobacter survive in Cairy-Blair medium for
1-2weeks for 40c .

7. Medically important species
 Campylobacter jejuni is a harmful pathogen.
 Clinical disease common in children.
 Stools of the patient contain leucocytes and
blood.
 Incubation period-1-7days.
 Illness starts with fever, abdominal pain, and
watery diarrhoea.
 Invasive pathogen may involve Mesenteric lymph
nodes and cause bacteraemia.

8. Preventive measures.
 Cleanliness and hygiene is the most important
facto for preventive any disease.
 The formite should be cleaned.
 The faeco-oral secretion of the patient should be
disposed properly to avoid an epidemic.
 In hospitals special care should be taken to avoid
any contamination.