16 Campylobacter and Helicobacter Flashcards
The genus campylobacter: Gram -/+? Aerobe? rod? Oxidase?
Campylobacter genus: Gram negative microaerophile slender spiral shaped Oxidase +
Where do you find campylobacter mainly?
GI tract of birds
Non-human animals
T/F Campylobacter is a thermophile?
true (thrives at temps greater than 50 degrees C)
Are campylobacter mobile?
Yes. Motile via polar flagella
What organisms causes the most common form of acute infectious diarrhea in developed countries?
Campylobacter Jejuni
T/F Campylobacter causes more infections than salmonella and shigella combined?
true
Which species of campylobacter causes the most human diseases?
Campylobacter Jejuni
How do you usually acquire C. Jejuni?
1) Undercooked poultry (It grows in their guts)
2) unpasteurized dairy products
T/F C. Jejuni if left untreated usually results in septicemia?
False.
This is opposite. Salmonella usually causes septicemia if left untreated but C. Jejuni almost never does.
What causes Guillain Barre syndrome?
An autoimmune disease that attacks the nervous system. Antigenic mimickry with C. Jejuni. The cross reactivity of o antigens on Campylobacter and myelin proteins.
What is the main host for Campylobacter Coli?
Pigs and livestock (virtually the same infection pattern as C. Jejuni)
what is the main host for Campylobacter upsaliensis?
Dogs and cats (virtually the same infection pattern as C. Jejuni)
What is the reservoir for C fetus and how does this affect pregnant women?
Cattle reservoir.
Causes miscarriage in pregnant women.
T/F campylobacter gastroenteritis is often associated with heavy vomiting?
False. This is the exception.
If you see bloody diarrhea with a campylobacter infection what does this mean?
That there has been local invasion into the jejunum, ileum, and colon.
T/F observation of PMN’s in a simple stain of feces is consistent with campylobacter gastroenteritis?
True. (this tells us its not viral or toxin mediated diarrhea)
T/F Campylobacter gastroenteritis and Salmonella gastroenteritis are indistinguishable on clinical evidence alone?
True