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Bulletin No. 17 - Winter 2003
BacterologyCampylobacter
ALTEKRUSE SF, TOLLEFSON L
Human campylobacteriosis: a challenge for the veterinary profession.
JAVMA, 2003, Volume 223, N?4, 445-451
Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli are commensal organisms of domestic poultry and livestock and cause enteric infection in humans. Campylobacteriosis brings on gastroenteritis with diarrhea ranging from loose feces to dysentery and can be fatal in infants, the elderly and immunosuppressed individuals. Potential sequels are the Guillain-Barr? syndrome (acute flaccid paralysis) and reactive arthritis. The issue of human campylobacteriosis is made all the more tricky by the emergence of fluoroquinolone-resistant strains probably due to the common use of fluoroquinolones in animals. The risk factors for human campylobacteriosis are reviewed and include poultry consumption, consumption of several other types of meat including pork meat, unpasteurized milk, contaminated water, and contact with diarrheic pets. The intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals represents Campylobacter's main habitat but stagnant water also plays an epidemiological role under certain conditions. The main Campylobacter source remains poultry (C. jejuni). However, swine (C. coli) should not be overlooked since high contamination rate in retail meat (pork liver) have been shown. Prevention measures includes chlorination of carcass wash water in processing plants, safe food-handling practices and handwashing after animal contact specially when diarrheic. The key role of veterinarians have to play in the prevention of human campylobacteriosis is underlined.
