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Campylobacter spp. Flashcards

1
Q

What is the number of cases of Campylobacter in Ireland in 2020?

A

2432

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2
Q

What type of bacteria is Campylobacter?

A

Gram-negative curved, S-shaped, or spiral rods

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3
Q

Is Campylobacter spore forming?

A

Non-spore forming

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4
Q

What is the oxidase status of Campylobacter?

A

Oxidase positive

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5
Q

What is the catalase status of Campylobacter?

A

Catalase positive

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6
Q

What type of motility do Campylobacter bacteria exhibit?

A

Motile = either uni- or bi-polar flagella

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7
Q

What is the oxygen requirement of Campylobacter?

A

Microaerophilic = require very little free oxygen

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8
Q

Some Campylobacter species are thermophilic. What does this mean?

A

They live at high temperatures

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9
Q

Do Campylobacter bacteria oxidize or ferment carbohydrates?

A

Do not oxidise or ferment carbohydrates

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10
Q

What type of bacteria are Campylobacter species?

A

Zoonotic bacteria

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11
Q

What are the key reservoirs for Campylobacter?

A
  • Poultry (especially broilers)
  • Raw (unpasteurized) milk
  • Untreated water
  • Environmental sources
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12
Q

What percentage of broiler batches test positive for C. jejuni?

A

~83.1%

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13
Q

What percentage of processed carcasses may be contaminated with C. jejuni?

A

~98.3%

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14
Q

What percentage of retail chicken meat harbored C. jejuni as of 2011?

A

Around 50%

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15
Q

How does contamination with Campylobacter occur through poultry?

A
  • Undercooked poultry meat
  • Cross-contamination during handling and processing of raw chicken
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16
Q

How can raw (unpasteurized) milk become contaminated with Campylobacter?

A

Often contaminated during milking or from infected udders

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17
Q

What types of water can harbor Campylobacter?

A

Untreated water such as lakes, streams, or non-chlorinated water supplies

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18
Q

What environmental sources can help Campylobacter survive harsh conditions?

A

Freshwater that contains free-living amoebae

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19
Q

How is C. jejuni typically transmitted to humans?

A

Via the fecal-oral route, particularly through ingestion of contaminated food or water

Contaminated food sources include undercooked meat and unpasteurized milk.

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20
Q

What is the first step in the transmission pathway of C. jejuni?

A

Animals (especially poultry) drink contaminated freshwater containing amoebae with C. jejuni

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21
Q

What happens to animals after they drink contaminated water?

A

Animals become colonized with the bacteria

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22
Q

What types of food products can become contaminated with C. jejuni?

A

Food products derived from colonized animals, especially undercooked meat or unpasteurized milk

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23
Q

List four ways humans can ingest C. jejuni.

A
  • Improperly cooked meat (especially chicken)
  • Cross-contaminated kitchen surfaces or utensils
  • Contaminated water or milk
  • Poor hand hygiene after handling infected animals
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24
Q

What is the clinical presentation typically caused by C. jejuni and C. coli?

A

Campylobacteriosis

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25
What is the incubation period for Campylobacteriosis after exposure?
2–7 days
26
What are the common gastrointestinal symptoms of Campylobacteriosis?
* Diarrhoea (often watery but can become bloody) * Abdominal cramps (severe and colicky in nature) * Nausea and vomiting * Fever (low-grade in most cases)
27
Are symptoms of Campylobacteriosis usually self-limiting?
Yes, symptoms usually resolve within a week without antibiotics
28
What are systemic Campylobacter infections?
Rare but more serious infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals
29
List three causative species of systemic Campylobacter infections.
* C. fetus * C. cinaedi * C. lari
30
What are some systemic symptoms that may occur in severe cases of Campylobacter infections?
* High fever * Chills * Headache * Bacteraemia (bacteria in the blood) * Meningitis, septic arthritis, or other localized infections
31
What percentage of patients experience reactive arthritis as a post-infectious complication of Campylobacter infection?
Approximately 1% of patients ## Footnote Reactive arthritis is characterized by immune-mediated joint inflammation without live bacteria present.
32
What is the onset period for reactive arthritis after Campylobacter infection?
1–2 weeks post-infection ## Footnote This timeframe denotes when symptoms typically appear.
33
What is bursitis?
Inflammation of the joint bursae ## Footnote Bursitis can occur as a complication of Campylobacter infections.
34
What is endocarditis?
Infection of the inner lining of the heart, rare but severe ## Footnote Endocarditis can be a serious complication following Campylobacter infection.
35
What is neonatal sepsis in the context of Campylobacter infections?
Rare vertical transmission causing severe infection in newborns ## Footnote Neonatal sepsis is a serious condition that can arise from Campylobacter infection in mothers.
36
What neurological complication is associated with Campylobacter infection?
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) ## Footnote GBS is an autoimmune demyelinating neuropathy that can develop following Campylobacter infection.
37
What are the symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
Ascending muscle weakness and paralysis ## Footnote GBS symptoms can progress rapidly and may be life-threatening.
38
What mechanism leads to Guillain-Barré Syndrome following Campylobacter infection?
Molecular mimicry ## Footnote Campylobacter LPS mimics gangliosides in human peripheral nerves, leading to cross-reactive antibodies attacking the nervous system.
39
What are the challenges in identifying Campylobacter spp.?
Requires specific conditions due to: * Strict growth requirements * Biochemical inertness * Slow growth * Complex taxonomy ## Footnote These challenges complicate laboratory detection and identification.
40
What molecular detection techniques are used on Day 1 of the diagnostic workflow for Campylobacter?
* Real-Time PCR * EntericBio * BD Max * Syndromic multiplex panels (e.g., BioFire GI Panel) ## Footnote These techniques are used to detect Campylobacter DNA directly in stool samples.
41
What genes are targeted for species-specific detection of Campylobacter?
SsrA ## Footnote This gene is one of the targets in molecular detection methods.
42
What selective media is used for culture-based methods on Day 2?
* CCDA (Charcoal Cefoperazone Deoxycholate Agar) * Chromagar ## Footnote These media are designed to promote the growth of Campylobacter while inhibiting other bacteria.
43
What is the typical colony morphology for C. jejuni?
Grey, moist, flat colonies ## Footnote Colony morphology helps in the identification of Campylobacter species.
44
What is the typical colony morphology for C. coli?
Creamy-grey, moist, slightly raised colonies ## Footnote Distinguishing between C. jejuni and C. coli is important for accurate identification.
45
What limitations exist in culture-based methods for Campylobacter identification?
* Contamination by normal flora * Variable media performance * Slow growth (typically takes 48 hours) ## Footnote These limitations can affect the reliability of culture-based detection.
46
What is the purpose of confirmatory identification on Day 3 of the diagnostic workflow?
* Biochemical testing (e.g., hippurate hydrolysis) * Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) ## Footnote WGS is performed in reference laboratories for definitive identification and typing.
47
What type of oxygen conditions do Campylobacter spp. require for growth?
Low oxygen (5–19% O₂), plus added CO₂ ## Footnote Campylobacter spp. are strictly microaerophilic.
48
At what temperature do Campylobacter spp. exhibit optimal growth?
42°C ## Footnote This thermophilic characteristic helps differentiate them from many other pathogens.
49
What is the Gram stain result for Campylobacter spp.?
Gram-negative spiral-shaped (gull-wing) rods ## Footnote This morphological feature is key in identifying the bacteria.
50
What are the dimensions of Campylobacter spp.?
Small and thin (0.2–0.5 µm wide) ## Footnote Their small size is a characteristic feature.
51
What happens to Campylobacter spp. with prolonged exposure to oxygen?
Becomes coccoid ## Footnote This indicates a change in morphology due to oxygen sensitivity.
52
What is the result of the oxidase test for Campylobacter spp.?
Positive ## Footnote This biochemical feature aids in identifying the bacteria.
53
What is the result of the catalase test for Campylobacter spp.?
Positive ## Footnote This is another biochemical characteristic of Campylobacter spp.
54
Describe the motility of Campylobacter spp.
Positive (darting or corkscrew motion) ## Footnote Their unique motility is a distinguishing feature.
55
Which species of Campylobacter is positive for hippurate hydrolysis?
C. jejuni ## Footnote This biochemical test helps differentiate species.
56
What are the antimicrobial susceptibility characteristics of C. jejuni and C. coli?
* Grow at 42°C but not at 25°C * Susceptible to nalidixic acid * Resistant to cephalothin * H2S positive ## Footnote These features are important for species differentiation.
57
What is the significance of C. fetus in terms of temperature growth?
Will grow at 25°C; some at 42°C ## Footnote This characteristic helps differentiate it from other species.
58
What is the treatment for Campylobacter infections?
* Fluid and electrolytes * Ciprofloxacin * Erythromycin ## Footnote These treatments are standard for managing infections.
59
What are two key prevention methods for Campylobacter infections?
* Thorough cooking * Pasteurisation ## Footnote These methods significantly reduce infection risk.
60
What types of antimicrobial resistance are associated with Campylobacter?
* Fluoroquinolone * Macrolides * Gene mutations * Efflux pump ## Footnote Understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for treatment strategies.

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