Campylobacter:: the new leader in food-borne disease aetiology

In the genus Campylobacter there are 15 species, three of which are significant human pathogens. The organism is a uniquely small, Gram-negative rod found primarily in zoonotic reservoirs from which humans can be infected. Different clinical features ranging from watery diarrhoea to dysentery and subsequent possible sequelae result from infection. Several immunodominant antigens are now recognized and these have been exploited for use in epidemiological typing methods and are gradually being analyzed to determine their role in pathogenesis. Although the nature of Campylobacter pathogenesis remains elusive, some information is now available on adherence, invasion and toxicity. Fortunately, clinical laboratory diagnosis is now routine and numerous molecular characterization procedures are potentially available. Vaccine development is underway, but thus far, significant protection has not been demonstrated. Fluoroquinolones remain the drugs of choice for severe gastroenteritis, although resistance to these antibiotics and to the macrolides, is beginning to emerge. (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.