CampylobacterandArcobacter

Changing Patterns of Human Campylobacteriosis, England and Wales, 1990–2007

“…The infection is unpleasant, although generally self-limiting, and most patients experience acute enteritis for 7–10 days ( 1 ). Approximately one tenth of patients with laboratory-confirmed cases require hospital treatment as a result of their illness ( 2 ), and a range of gastrointestinal, arthritic, and neurologic sequelae add to disease effects ( 3 ). Although food is likely the main source of transmission to humans, most human infections cannot be explained by recognized risk factors.…”

Human Acute Gastroenteritis Associated with Arcobacter butzleri

“…Arcobacters were first described in the 1970s by Ellis and colleagues, who isolated these organisms from aborted fetal tissues of pigs and cattle. Because of their similarity to campylobacters and their ability to grow aerobically at 30ºC, they were originally considered to be aerotolerant campylobacters (1). After detailed taxonomic studies, these microorganisms were later included in the genus Arcobacter (17).…”

“…are considered emerging food-borne pathogens (1). Contaminated water and meat play an important role in the transmission of these bacteria to humans (2,3 (4,5).…”

“…Contaminated water and meat play an important role in the transmission of these bacteria to humans (2,3 (4,5). Only three species, namely, A. butzleri, A. cryaerophilus, and A. skirrowii, have been associated with human and animal diseases (1). These microorganisms cause a number of infections, such as abortion, mastitis, and septicemia, in animals.…”

“…The role of other Arcobacter species in human and animal diseases remains unclear (1). It has been reported that Arcobacter species are found more commonly on poultry rather than red meat (10), suggesting that poultry may be a major reservoir for the pathogen.…”