Campylobacter

'Campylobacter is a genus of Gram-negative, microaerophilic bacteria in the family Campylobacteraceae. Cells are generally curved, S-shaped, or spiral rods, and many species are motile by means of polar flagella. The generic name combines the Ancient Greek word kampylos, meaning curved, with the Neo-Latin word bacter, meaning rod. Members of the genus occur in humans and other animals, particularly within the gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts. Many animals carry Campylobacter without signs of disease. Human infection can result from consuming contaminated food or water or through contact with infected animals; raw or undercooked poultry is a major source. Several species cause campylobacteriosis, one of the most common bacterial causes of gastroenteritis worldwide. C. jejuni causes most reported human infections, while C. coli, C. upsaliensis, C. fetus, and C. lari are reported less frequently. Infection usually causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever, but can occasionally result in bloodstream infection or post-infectious complications such as Guillain–Barré syndrome. Some species are also important veterinary pathogens. C. fetus causes bovine genital campylobacteriosis, which is associated with infertility, embryonic loss, and occasional abortion in cattle.