Campylobacter: Virulence Factors and Pathogenesis

Abstract

The species from the genus Campylobacter are the common causes of foodborne bacterial pathogens found worldwide. The diseases that arise from the infection of this bacterial agent are sometimes self-limiting or can range from mild symptoms to fatal illnesses. The disease is reported in more than 500 million cases of diarrhea annually. The taxonomy, pathogenesis and treatment of Campylobacter is been discussed here. Several virulence factors of Campylobacter are involved in playing a crucial role in pathogenesis, e.g., the chemotactically controlled cellular motility, the bacterial adhesion, the invasion into the host cell, and toxin formation. When a specific diagnosis is made, antibiotic therapy is advocated for use to reduce symptoms. The random use of antibiotics in the treatment of infectious diseases has brought about the emergence of many antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which have become a public health problem and a menace to society.