6 - Campylobacter

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the Campylobacter genus. Organisms in this genus are thin, gram-negative, motile, and curved rods. The cells are often S-shaped or seagull shaped but are occasionally long spiral rods. They are vigorously motile by a single-polar flagellum. Campylobacter contains the species that cause important genital and intestinal infections of animals, as well as saprophytic species. The chapter reviews various species of this genus. Campylobacter fetus is divided into two subspecies—venerealis and fetus. The former organism is found in the prepuce of carrier bulls and the genital tract of infected cows and is an important cause of infectious infertility and sporadic abortion. Campylobacter jejuni is a common and important cause of acute diarrhea in people and an important zoonosis. Campylobacter coli is occasionally a cause of Campylobacter enteritis in people. It is found commonly in the intestines of pigs, where it is an unimportant cause of mild diarrheic illness. Campylobacter fecalis has been isolated from ovine feces and is regarded as a nonpathogen but is found as a contaminant in bovine semen and vaginas. The chapter discusses some other species of Campylobacter, which are Campylobacter cryaerophila, Campylobacter hyointestinalis, Campylobacter mucosalis, Campylobacter uppsaliensis, and Campylobacter pylori.