The Pathogen Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular pathogens, which former genus Chlamydia pneumoniae has been reclassified (somewhat controversially ) through genome sequencing and comparative analysis of the ribosomal operon to Chlamydophila pneumoniae, with three biovars—human (TWAR), koala, and equine. Still controversial,…
Capnocytophaga is a genus in the family Flavobacteriaceae encompassing a group of slow-growing, capnophilic (carbon dioxide−loving), facultative anaerobic, gram-negative fusiform bacilli. Species are divided into two groups, the “human” group (formerly classified as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]…
The genus Campylobacter includes approximately 26 species and 9 subspecies. Of the Campylobacter species that are associated with human disease, C. jejuni is the prototype for enteric infections, and C. fetus is the prototype for extraintestinal infections. Campylobacter species other…
Campylobacter spp. are one of the most common causes of culture-proven bacterial gastroenteritis in resource-rich and resource-limited countries. In the US, the annual incidence is 19.5 cases per 100,000 persons and is highest in children aged <5 years. , Although…
Pertussis is an acute respiratory tract infection that was well described in the 1500s and endemic in Europe by the 1600s; its current worldwide prevalence is dampened only by continuous use of active immunization. Sydenham first used the term pertussis…
Acknowledgements Ed Young was a true gentleman and scholar who was a continuous source of education for all who crossed his path. Brucellosis is a disease of animals that can be transmitted to humans (zoonosis). The genus Brucella belongs to…
Acknowledgments The authors thank Richard F. Jacobs for the previous contributions to this chapter. The genus Bartonella consists of more than 40 species, of which the best known is B. henselae. The role of B. henselae in most cases of…
In addition to organisms that cause cholera (see Chapter 158 ), several other Vibrio species cause vibriosis. These can be divided into invasive species primarily associated with bloodstream and wound infections (e.g., V. vulnificus ) and species that typically cause…
Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease with great potential for epidemic spread. For centuries cholera has caused considerable morbidity and mortality, particularly in the most impoverished areas of the world, where it remains a major public health challenge. Epidemic cholera…
Acknowledgments Substantial material from Jane L. Burns’ chapter in the previous edition has been used. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was originally classified as Pseudomonas. It was transferred to the genus Xanthomonas, however, and subsequently to its own genus, Stenotrophomonas, because of its…