- Campylobacter jejuni is a spiral shaped, gram-negative, motile bacterium that causes diarrhea in humans.
- It grows best under microaerophilic conditions at 42°C and takes 24-72 hours to culture. Colonies resemble water drops.
- Infection occurs through eating contaminated poultry or untreated water. It releases toxins that destroy gut lining.
- Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain lasting 5-7 days. Antibiotics like erythromycin or azithromycin can treat severe cases.