Question:
I need as much info on
clampyhlobacter ie. what is it? what
does it do? where does it grow? etc
Replies:
Campylobacter is the name of a Gram-negative bacterium
that causes diarrhea in humans. The name means 'curved
rod' and that is what it looks like. C. jejuni is the
most common member of this family and is frequently
found in chickens, and hence on poultry meat (not in
eggs). C. coli is another one, found on pork and
chicken. Raw (unpasteurized milk) and unclean drinking
water are also common sources for this food-poisening
bug.
Campylobacter are curved gram negative rods. they were not recognized as
human pathogens until the 1970's because they are difficult to cultivate.
They are microaerophiles (require low oxygen tension) and high incubation
temps-42oC, and they need selective media. They cause more foodborne illness
than Salmonella and Shigella. It is a major cause of diarrhea. Human
infection is usually caused by ingesting contaminated milk or meat. Symptoms
include bloody diarrhea, cramps and sometimes fever. It is usually self
limiting and non life threatening and lasts less than a week.
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