Multiplex Campylobacter

Campylobacter species are leading causes of bacterial foodborne gastroenteritis worldwide, with Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli representing the most important human pathogens. These thermophilic bacteria naturally colonize poultry gastrointestinal tracts without causing disease in birds but cause severe diarrheal disease in humans through consumption of contaminated poultry products, raw milk, and contaminated water. Clinical manifestations range from mild diarrhea to severe inflammatory colitis with potential complications including Guillain-Barré syndrome. Other species including C. lari, C. upsaliensis, and C. hyointestinalis also cause human disease with varying frequency and severity.