22 – Campylobacter and Helicobacter Flashcards
Microbiological characteristics
- Gram-negative ‘CURVY’ organisms
o Campylobacter: ‘seagull’ shaped (aging changes it=straighter)
o Helicobacter: ‘corkscrew’ (tightly coiled) - Biocontainment level 2
Microbiological characteristics of Campylobacter
- Can be challenging to grow
- Microaerophilic
- Requires nutritious media
- *Some grow at elevated T, 42 degree C
Microbiological characteristics of Helicobacter
- VERY challenging to grow
- Micro-aerophilic
- Culture independent methods often used
Natural host or habitat of Campylobacter
- Intestinal tract
- Reproductive mucosa and gall blader of cattle (C. fetus)
Natural host or habitat of Helicobacter
- Stomach and GIT
- About 50% of us have H. pylori in our stomachs
Virulence factors of Campylobacter jejuni
- Flagella
- Outer membrane ADHESION PROTEINS
- Superoxide dismutase and catalase: intracellular survival
- Cytolethal-distending toxin: cell deathRepro
Camplyobacter fetus subsp. Venerealis in cattle causes
- Vibriosis
o Silent carriage
o Temporary infertility
o Early embryonic death
o Abortions: rarely exceeds 10% - *naturally clean infection
o Vaccination plays a role
When does Camplyobacter fetus subsp. Venerealis (vibriosis) disease usually occur in cattle?
- When cows exposed for first time
Camplyobacter fetus subsp. Venerealis in cattle ascends
- From vagina to cuase intrauterine infection
How is Camplyobacter fetus subsp. Venerealis transmitted in cattle?
- Venereal transmission (natural or AI)
o Bulls to cows
o Bulls often SILENT carriers
Camplyobacter fetus subsp. Fetus (vibriosis) in small ruminants causes
- Abortion in final 6 weeks of pregnancy
o Pyrexia and vaginal discharge - Abortions in cattle
- *multifocal hepatic necrosis seen in aborted fetus=sample for lab
How is Camplyobacter fetus subsp. Fetus transmitted?
- Through ingestion
o Travels to gall bladder and pregnant uterus
Camplyobacter fetus subsp. Fetus in small ruminants control
- Highly CONTAGIOUS
- Incubation period: 7-25days
- Control abortion outbreaks with antimicrobials
- Vaccination plays role
Camplyobacter fetus subsp. Fetus and HUMANS
- Septic abortions
- Proctitis and proctocolitis
- Sepsis
- *may be related to contact with animals and possibly eating raw food
What does Camplyobacter jejuni subsp jejuni cause in humans?
- Gastroenteritis
o Typically self-limiting
o 5-10 days of illness