Campylobacter jejuni, other campylobacters

Authors: Cox Jr, Nelson; Richardson, Larry; Musgrove, Michael

Submitted to: Pathogens and Toxins in Foods: Challenges and Interventions
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/30/2007
Publication Date: 11/1/2009
Citation: Cox Jr, N.A., Richardson, L.J., Musgrove, M.T. 2010. Campylobacter jejuni, other campylobacters. Chapter 3 In Pathogens and Toxins in Foods: Challenges and Interventions. P.20-30.

Interpretive Summary: The genera Campylobacter is an important human pathogen. In this book chapter, information is provided on: characteristics of the organism and types of illness; sources and incidence in the environment and foods; intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting growth and survival; food operations that affect numbers and spread; interventions; and discriminative detection methods. In addition, current issues and research studies are discussed. This will provide audiences with valuable information on current trends of research as well as general information on Campylobacter jejuni and other campylobacters.

Technical Abstract: For approximately three decades, the genus Campylobacter has had increased focus as a threat to food safety, due to the rise in enteritis in humans caused by consumption or handling of foods contaminated with the organism. For this reason, numerous research studies have been conducted and books written. The objective of this book chapter was to compile current information on Campylobacter jejuni and other camplyobacters. The topics discussed in this chapter include: characteristics of the organism and types of illness; sources and incidence in the environment and foods; intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting growth and survival; food operations that affect numbers and spread; interventions; and discriminative detection methods. The majority of information on incidence, methodology and interventions is related to poultry and the poultry industry, due to poultry products being implicated as the most significant source of human infection and illness. As methodology procedures improve and our understanding of the Campylobacter ecology improves effective intervention strategies will be developed. Due to the array of environmental conditions in the poultry continuum, this provides an excellent means to study the ecology of Campylobacter spp. and with knowledge, vision, and persistence, numerous advances and discoveries can be achieved.