Campylobacter jejuni

Definition

Campylobacter jejuni is a Gram-negative, spiral-shaped bacterium that is one of the most common causes of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. It typically infects the gastrointestinal tract but can sometimes cause more severe systemic infections.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. C. jejuni is microaerophilic, requiring low oxygen levels to grow optimally.
2. It possesses a single polar flagellum that aids in motility and colonization of the host's intestines.
3. The bacterium's genome consists of a single circular chromosome, which encodes various virulence factors.
4. Infection often occurs through consumption of contaminated food or water, particularly undercooked poultry.
5. While primarily causing gastrointestinal symptoms, C. jejuni can also lead to neurological conditions like Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Review Questions

• What oxygen requirements does Campylobacter jejuni have for optimal growth?
• How does C. jejuni typically transmit to humans?
• What are some potential complications arising from a C. jejuni infection?

Related terms

Microaerophilic: Refers to organisms that require lower levels of oxygen for growth.

Flagellum: A whip-like structure that enables bacterial motility.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A rare neurological disorder where the body's immune system attacks peripheral nerves, sometimes triggered by bacterial infections like C. jejuni.