Campylobacter jejuni

Campylobacter jejuni is the most frequently diagnosed bacterial cause of hu man gastroenteritis in the United States. The emergence of antimicrobial-re sistant and, in particular, of fluoroquinolone-resistant C. jejuni infectio ns in Europe and the United States, temporally associated with the approval of use of fluoroquinolones in veterinary medicine, is an important public health concern. Recent research has provided strong evidence for an associa tion between Campylobacter infection and Guillain-Barr Syndrome (GBS), and Campylobacter is the most frequent antecedent infection in GBS. The consump tion of undercooked poultry and cross-contamination of other foods with unc ooked meat products are leading risk factors for human campylobacteriosis. Reinforcing hygienic practices at each link in the food chain, from produce r to consumer, is critical in preventing the disease.