1. Campylobacter Dr. Abdulaziz Bamarouf

2. Learning Objectives
Describe the general characteristics of the genus Campylobacter
List the causative agent, virulence factors, epidemiology, modes of transmission, site of infection, methods of treatment and prevention of Campylobacter infections
Discuss laboratory diagnosis of Campylobacter infections

3. Main species Campylobacter (meaning “twisted” bacteria)
species include:
C. jejuni
C. coli
C. lari

4. General Characteristics
Gram-negative, curved, spiral-shaped,
S-shaped rods
Non-sporing
Motile (polar flagella)
Oxidase positive
Microaerophilic (grow best at 5% O2, 10% CO2, 85% N2) at 42  C

8. Virulence Factors Flagella Adhesions Endotoxin & Enterotoxin
Ability to penetrate cells (invasive)

9. Epidemiology
Present in animal species (chicken, cattle, goats, sheep, cats, dogs …)
In developed countries, they cause more cases of diarrhoea than foodborne Salmonella
Zoonotic infection (a disease transmitted to humans from animals or animal products)

10. Although C. jejuni enteritis occurs throughout the year, the highest isolation rates occur in summer, as with other enteric pathogens.
Campylobacter infections are generally mild, but can be fatal among very young children, young adults and immunosuppressed individuals.

11. Comparison of the epidemiology of C. jejuni and
H. pylori by seasonal distribution by month (panel A) and by age (panel B)

12. Transmission Infection is acquired by ingestion:
Consumption of contaminated food, water, unpasteurized milk and undercooked meat
Most often, carcasses or meat are contaminated by Campylobacter from faeces during slaughtering. In animals, Campylobacter seldom causes disease
-Direct contact with infected animals and
their products

14. Cause: enteritis
Site: small and large intestines
Action: mucosal invasion & toxin production
Symptoms: diarrhea frequently with blood in the faeces
Could lead to Bacteremia (presence of bacteria in the blood)

15. Laboratory Diagnosis
Specimen: Stool (contain mucus, pus and blood), rectal swab, blood
Culture: on selective media containing:
-Charcoal: to remove oxygen radicals
-Antibiotics: to inhibit other bacteria
and enriched with blood
-Selective media:
1) Skirrow's-blood agar
2) Campy-blood agar

16. -Incubation: microaerophilic )grow best at 5% O2, 10% CO2, 85% N2)
at 42 C for 48 hours.
-Look for mucoid, flat colonies like
spreading oil droplets

20. Biochemical identification:
-Gram-negative, curved rods
-Oxidase positive
-Catalase positive
Antimicrobial sensitivity testing

21. Treatment -Usually self-limiting
-Patient require only fluids and electrolytes replacement and rehydration
-Antibiotics in case of septicemia: erythromycin

22. Prevention -Proper preparation of food
-Consumption of pasteurized milk
-Prevention of contaminated water supply
-Campylobacter species can be killed by heat and thoroughly cooking food