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''Campylobacter jejuni belongs to the genus [[Campylobacter species- Overview|''Campylobacter'']]. ''C.jejuni'' is an important enteropathogen of man and a number of animal species. It is the largest cause of food-poisoning in the UK and is therefore a public health issue.

''Campylobacter jejuni'' belongs to the genus [[Campylobacter species- Overview|''Campylobacter'']]. ''C.jejuni'' is an important enteropathogen of man and a number of animal species. It is the largest cause of food-poisoning in the UK and is therefore a public health issue.

It is widespread on farms and is hyperendemic. It can be carried as commensals in the intestines of cattle, sheep, dogs, wild birds and especially chickens.

It is widespread on farms and is hyperendemic. It can be carried as commensals in the intestines of cattle, sheep, dogs, wild birds and especially chickens.

Farm animals are regularly exposed via the faecal-oral route. Maternal antibody protects the animal while the active immunity develops. Animals with little exposure are very susceptible, e.g. humans and pets.

Farm animals are regularly exposed via the faecal-oral route. Maternal antibody protects the animal while the active immunity develops. Animals with little exposure are very susceptible, e.g. humans and pets.

==Pathogenesis==

==Pathogenesis==

The pathogenesis of ''C.jejuni'' involves the colonisation, attachment and invasion of colonic enterocytes and toxin production.  

The pathogenesis of ''C.jejuni'' involves the colonisation, attachment and invasion of colonic enterocytes and toxin production.  

It causes colitis, characterised by; Necrosis of absorptive epithelial cells; Erosion of the mucosa; Crypt abscesses; The infiltration of inflammatory cells into the mucosa and the presence of primarily [[Neutrophils|neutrophils]].

It causes colitis, characterised by; Necrosis of absorptive epithelial cells; Erosion of the mucosa; Crypt abscesses; The infiltration of inflammatory cells into the mucosa and the presence of primarily [[Neutrophils|neutrophils]].

The bacteria's functional flagella are important as virulence factors. Non-flagellate [[Campylobacter species- Overview|campylobacter]] do not colonise in vivo, and are less invasive.

The bacteria's functional flagella are important as virulence factors. Non-flagellate [[Campylobacter species- Overview|campylobacter]] do not colonise in vivo, and are less invasive.