The enteric Campylobacter: they are everywhere

Abstract

Although Campylobacter spp. are perhaps the most ubiquitous bacterial pathogens known to man, laboratory diagnosis of Campylobacter enteritis is not particularly problematic. The organism's ability to thrive at elevated temperatures facilitates its isolation directly from stool. Enteric infection with Campylobacter spp., despite its invasive nature, is usually self-limiting in the otherwise healthy individual. Management of enteric Campylobacter infection, therefore, is not complex and for most cases simply involves an appropriate rehydration strategy. In addition to the 'tried and true' approaches of good sanitation and thorough cooking of meats to prevent Campylobacter infection, recent advances in vaccine development appear promising.