Campylobacteriosis: A Global Threat

Abstract

Campylobacter species account for most cases of human gastrointestinal infections worldwide. In humans, Campylobacter bacteria cause illness called campylobacteriosis. It is a common problem in the developing and industrialized world in human population. Campylobacter species extensive research in many developed countries yielded over 7500 peer reviewed articles. In humans, most frequently isolated species had been Campylobacter jejuni, followed by Campylobactercoli (5-18.6 % of all Campylobacter cases), Campylobacterlari, and lastly Campylobacter fetus. C. jejuni colonizes important food animals besides chicken, which also includes cattle. The spread of the disease is allied to a wide range of livestock which include sheep, pigs, birds and turkeys. The organism has been responsible for diarrhoea in an estimated 400 - 500 million people globally each year. The most important Campylobacter species associated with human infections are C. jejuni, C. coli, C. lari and C. upsaliensis. Campylobacter colonize the lower intestinal tract, including the jejunum, ileum, and colon. The main sources of these microorganisms have been traced in unpasteurized milk, contaminated drinking water, raw or uncooked meat; especially poultry meat and contact with animals