| Description | Campylobacter jejuni is a gram-negative, spiral-shaped microbe that thrives in mesophilic temperatures, classified as a chemoheterotroph, and can be found in various body sites of numerous species, including the gastrointestinal tracts of humans, birds, and animals, and is a microaerophile. As a gram-negative microbe, C. jejuni has a thin peptidoglycan layer in its cell wall, which is susceptible to certain antibiotics. Its spiral shape allows it to move efficiently through mucus-lined environments, such as the intestinal tract. The mesophilic temperature preference of C. jejuni enables it to grow optimally at temperatures between 37°C and 42°C, which is consistent with the average human body temperature. As a chemoheterotroph, C. jejuni relies on the consumption of organic compounds for energy and carbon sources, and it can be found in various body sites, including the intestinal tract, bloodstream, and reproductive organs, of many species. The microaerophilic nature of C. jejuni means it requires a low-oxygen environment to grow, which is typically found in the intestinal mucosa. The shape and motility of C. jejuni allow it to penetrate the mucous lining of the intestinal tract, where it can cause infections. Its chemoheterotrophic metabolism enables it to utilize a variety of organic compounds, including amino acids, carbohydrates, and fatty acids, as energy sources. C. jejuni is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tracts of many species, where it can cause disease. In humans, C. jejuni is a leading cause of gastroenteritis, and its ability to infect a wide range of hosts makes it a significant public health concern. C. jejuni has been shown to have a complex relationship with its hosts, and it can even manipulate the host's immune system to evade detection, making it a formidable pathogen. The genome of C. jejuni has been fully sequenced, revealing a high degree of genetic diversity, which may contribute to its ability to infect a wide range of hosts and evade the host's immune system. |
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