Pathophysiology of Campylobacter jejuni infections of humans.
Campylobacter jejuni and closely related organisms are major causes of human bacterial enteritis. These infections can lead to extraintestinal disease and severe long-term complications. Of these, neurological damage, apparently due to the immune response of the host, is the most striking. This review examines current knowledge of the pathophysiology of the organism. Diversity of C. jejuni isolates in genotypic and phenotypic characteristics now is recognized and clinically relevant examples are presented. Expected future directions are outlined.
Wassenaar
T M
TM
Johannes Gutenberg University, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Hochhaus am Augustusplatz, D-55101 Mainz, Germany.
Blaser
M J
MJ
D000818:Animals; D002169:Campylobacter Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016123:Campylobacter jejuni / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D006801:Humans; D014774:Virulence