Campylobacter gastro-entéricos: bacteriología, epidemiología y patogenia / Gastro-enteric Campylobacter: bacteriology, epidemiology and pathogenesis

RESUMO

The genus Campylobacter compromises over ten species of Gram negative, curved or S shaped rods. Thermotolerant species (C. jejuni, C. coli and C. Laridis) are recognized as important agentes of human diarrhea, whreas C. fetus subsp. fetus is an apportunistic pathogen and C. pyloridis has been associated with gastritis and gastric ulcer. These bacteria can be isolated don selective media using a microaerobic atmosphere. Termotolerant species grow well at 43-C while the other species do not. Identification methods include morphological, cultural an biochemical test, that correlate well genetic characteristics. Enteric infections with Campylobacter spp. occur by ingestión of contaminated liquid or solid food, and through contact with infected animals. A large number of animal species are recognized as reservoirs of these zoonotic bacteria. Disease can be produced by means of invasiviness of by the production of toxins. Erythromycin is the drug of choice for the treatment of Campylobacter enteric infection. However, they are also susceptible to nitrofurans, chloramphenicol and gentamicin. Despite the great information existing about many aspects of Campylobacter infections, only the joint work of clinicians, epidemiologists and laboratory personnel could provide an oberview of the complex factor involved in the infections by Campylobacter spp