Campylobacter are Gram-negative bacilli responsible of an increasing number of gastro-intestinal infections, which in fact have surpassed infections by Salmonella in several European countries as incidence.
90% of the infections are caused by C. jejune and C. coli. Campylobacter’s diffusion is representing a public health problem with a significant economic impact.
Infections by Campylobacter have been associated to contaminated drinking water, milk, raw foods and occasionally poultry, especially during its handling in the food processing plants.
The poultry industry introduced interventions to reduce Campylobacter incidence in chickens as well as putting in place an ongoing voluntary monitoring program.
