Campylobacter jejuni: An Emerging Foodborne Pathogen of Global Significance

Abstract

Emerging foodborne pathogens are significant causes of morbidity and mortality both in developed as well as developing nations. Campylobacter jejuni is an important infectious emerging foodborne bacterial zoonotic agent that causes gastrointestinal illness in humans. The infection can occur in sporadic and epidemic form. The post infections sequelae with C. jejuni are Guillain-Barre syndrome, reactive arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome. Globally, about one-third of Guillian-Barre syndrome cases are attributed to Campylobacter infections. It is estimated that 2.5 million cases of campylobacteriosis occur each year in the United States. The annual economic cost due to Camyplobacter associated illnesses is USA reaches up US $ 8 billion. The source of infection is exogenous, and oral-fecal route is the principal mode of transmission of Campylobacter jejuni. The infection occurs through consumption of contaminated raw or undercooked meat (poultry, beef, pork, and lamb), unpasteurized milk, and untreated water. The cross-contamination from raw meat, and direct contact with infected or reservoir hosts can also be source of infection. Poultry is responsible for 50%-70% of human Campylobacter infections. Laboratory help is required to make an unequivocal diagnosis of disease. Most cases of Campylobacter jejuni are self-limited and generally do not require treatment. However, antimicrobial therapy with azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, chloramphanicol and gentamicin are indicated in severe cases. Certain measures such as consumption of pasteurized milk, cooked red meat and chicken, chlorinated water, application of hazard analysis critical control point in food sector, bio-security at poultry farm, sanitation in abattoir, checking cross contamination, surveillance, and health education will certainly reduce the incidence of this emerging foodborne disease. Further work on the molecular epidemiology, pathogenesis, and chemotherapy camplobacteriosis should be undertaken.