Changes

== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

Campylobacter are curved, gram negative, micraerophilic bacteria that parasitise the alimentary tract of animals. ''Campylobacter jejuni'' is the most common cause of food poisoning in man, therefore making this a '''zoonotic disease''' and a public health issue.

[[Campylobacter species - Overview|''Campylobacter'']] are curved, gram negative, micraerophilic bacteria that parasitise the alimentary tract of animals. ''[[Campylobacter jejuni]]'' is the most common cause of food poisoning in man, therefore making this a '''zoonotic disease''' and a public health issue.

The pathogen is very common on farms, particularly poultry, cattle and sheep farms. Dogs and cats can harbour the disease too (usually farm animals) and in these cases if the dog has been exposed to it throughout life they are generally immune. The pathogen can cause diarrhoea and clinical signs in dogs and cats that live in a hygienic environment as these are not exposed to the pathogen on a regular basis.  

The pathogen is very common on farms, particularly poultry, cattle and sheep farms. Dogs and cats can harbour the disease too (usually farm animals) and in these cases if the dog has been exposed to it throughout life they are generally immune. The pathogen can cause diarrhoea and clinical signs in dogs and cats that live in a hygienic environment as these are not exposed to the pathogen on a regular basis.  

 

The bacteria is present in the intestinal tract of animals and is transmitted via the faecal- oral route. C. jejuni then causes colitis by necrosis of absorptive epithelial cells and erosion of the mucosa. Flaggellae are important in colonisation of the bacteria.

The bacteria are present in the intestinal tract of animals and are transmitted via the faecal-oral route. ''C. jejuni'' then causes colitis by necrosis of absorptive epithelial cells and erosion of the mucosa. Flaggellae play an important role in colonisation.

At slaughter of broiler chickens, the intestinal contents may be spread around the abdominal cavity of the bird. Therefore most poultry will be moderately to heavily contaminated with the pathogen. If thawing of a frozen bird is inadequate, the organism may still be viable in the abdominal cavity or it may be ingested by humans handling raw meat.  

At slaughter of broiler chickens, the intestinal contents may be spread around the abdominal cavity of the bird. Therefore most poultry will be moderately to heavily contaminated with the pathogen. If thawing of a frozen bird is inadequate, the organism may still be viable in the abdominal cavity or it may be ingested by humans handling raw meat.  

== Signalment ==

== Signalment ==

Pet dogs are likely to show clinical signs if they become infected with Campylobacter, as unlike farm dogs, they are not exposed to the pathogen on a daily basis. The disease can affect dogs of any age, breed or sex. Immunocompromised animals will suffer from more severe clinical signs. Humans can also be infected by the pathogen.  

Pet dogs are likely to show clinical signs if they become infected with ''Campylobacter'', as unlike farm dogs, they are not exposed to the pathogen on a daily basis. The disease can affect dogs of any age, breed or sex. Immunocompromised animals will suffer from more severe clinical signs. Humans can also be infected by the pathogen.  

 

== Clinical Signs ==

== Clinical Signs ==

Signs include large intestinal diarrhoea; presence of blood and possible mucous with increased frequency of defaecation and possible tenesmus. Abdominal pain characterised by head turning towards the abdomen and restlessness/changing posture regularly and appearing generally uncomfortable. The animal may also be pyrexic.

Signs include large intestinal diarrhoea; presence of blood and possible mucous with increased frequency of defecation and possible tenesmus. Abdominal pain characterised by head turning towards the abdomen and restlessness/changing posture regularly and appearing generally uncomfortable. The animal may also be pyrexic.

 

== Diagnosis ==

== Diagnosis ==

Faecal samples can be sent to the laboratory for culture under microaerophilic conditions. A commercial test kit using latex agglutination is also avaliable. Retrospective diagnosis can be presumed following resolution after antibiotic treatment.

Faecal samples can be sent to the laboratory for culture under microaerophilic conditions. A commercial test kit using latex agglutination is also available. Retrospective diagnosis can be presumed following resolution after antibiotic treatment.

 

== Treatment ==

== Treatment ==

The antibiotics Vancomycin, Trimethoprin and Polymyxin B are all effective in treating this condition. Supportive therapy should also be given in cases of severe diarrhoea, such as fluid therapy to help prevent dehydration and NSAIDs to reduce pyrexia. Plain food such as chicken and rice should be given after a period of 24hour starvation, which is the case for all cases of diarrhoea in dogs.  

The [[antibiotics]] Vancomycin, Trimethoprim and Polymyxin B are all effective in treating this condition. Supportive therapy should also be given in cases of severe diarrhoea, such as fluid therapy to help prevent dehydration and [[NSAIDs]] to reduce pyrexia. Plain food such as chicken and rice should be given after a 24hour starvation, which is the case for all cases of diarrhoea in dogs.  

 

== Prognosis ==

== Prognosis ==

Excellent; resolution following appropriate treatment.

Excellent; resolution following appropriate treatment.

== References ==

== References ==

 

[[Category:To_Do_-_Review]]

[[Category:To_Do_-_Review]]