Campylobacter Flashcards
Is Campylobacter a bacteria, virus or fungi?
Campylobacter is a bacteria
What reservoirs is Campylobacter generally seen in?
Poultry and cattle (generally mammals)
Who is affected by Campylobacter?
People of all ages world wide are affected by Campylobacter.
How are those infected with Campylobacter usually exposed?
Those infected with Campylobacter are usually exposed to the bacteria via eating undercooked meat, contaminated food, water and occasionally pets.
Campylobacter can commonly present as? Can occasionally present as?
- Commonly fever (preceding D), abdominal pain, diarrhea - +/- blood, +/- mucus, +WBCs
- Can occasionally present as typhoid syndrome with febrile convulsions or as meningeal syndrome, or cause post infectious arthritis.
Which is not a common symptom of Campylobacter?
A. Fever C. Abdominal Pain
B. Vomiting D. Diarrhea
Campylobacter is characterized by a fever that generally comes before diarrhea, and diarrhea that may or may not contain blood and mucous. Individuals infected with Campylobacter may also have a high WBC count. Therefore the correct answer is vomiting.
Is Campylobacter generally treated with antibiotics?
Campylobacter is not treated with antibiotics in more than half of the reported cases. It is usually only treated with antibiotics when the patient has had 8 or more stools a day for 3 days or more.
What is the incubation period for Campylobacter? How long does the infected individual usually show signs and symptoms?
Incubation period: 2-5 days
Signs and symptoms last: 1-2 weeks
Is Campylobacter a self limiting disease in a healthy individual?
Yes. Campylobacter is usually self limiting, meaning the body will fight it off on its own.
Which species of Campylobacter is typical?
C. Jejuni
Campylobacter is always / sometimes / rarely transmitted from person to person?
Rarely transmitted between persons
