Campylobacter jejuni

Cell Wall: Gram Negative Shape: Curved Rod
Metabolism: Microaerophilic
  • 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
  • C. jejuni can be selectively grown at high temperatures of 42C that inhibit growth of most other enteric bacteria.
Virulence Factors
  • 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 for mild cases is supportive. For severe cases erythromycin is recommended.