CAMPYLOBACTER

Question 1

What kind of pathogen is Campylobacter?

Answer 1

Bacteria

Question 2

Is Campylobacter gram positive or negative?

Answer 2

Gram negative

Question 3

What would Campylobacter look like on a microscope slide?

Answer 3

Pink CURVED rods

Question 4

What is a strain of Campylobacter?

Answer 4

Campylobacter jejuni

Question 5

What is the reservoir for Campylobacter?

Answer 5

-Birds (asymptomatic carriers)
Transmits through contaminated food

Question 6

How would a Campylobacter infection present?

Answer 6

-Diarrhea/cramping (2-5 days after exposure/eating contaminated food)

-May RARELY cause bacteremia unless immunocompromised

-Increased risk of developing Guillain-Barre syndrome: 30-50% (immune system will attack the nerves)

-Post infection: may develop infection reactive arthritis (reactive arthropathy)/erethyma nodosum (tender red bumps commonly found on shins)

Question 7

How can we diagnose Campylobacter?

Answer 7

-Stool sample (notify lab, requires special methods)
-Stool antigen test

Question 8

What is the treatment for Campylobacter?

Answer 8

-Self limiting (usually will resolve on it’s own)

-If necessary: Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin (increased resistance to Cipro)

-Prevention: proper hand washing and food handling, avoid unpasteurized milk