Describe the shape and growth characteristics of Campylobacter.

Describe the shape and growth characteristics of Campylobacter.

• A. Gram-negative curved rod; motile; microaerophilic; thermophilic.
• B. Gram-positive cocci; non-motile; strict anaerobe.
• C. Gram-negative curved rod; non-motile; anaerobic.
• D. Gram-negative rod; spore-forming; aerobe.

Answer: (A)

Campylobacter is described as a Gram-negative curved (often S- or comma-shaped) rod that is motile thanks to its polar flagella. It grows best under microaerophilic conditions, meaning it requires reduced oxygen levels rather than full air or complete anaerobiosis. In the lab, many strains are considered thermophilic because they prefer higher temperatures, with 42°C often used to optimize growth. This combination of shape, motility, and growth requirements—Gram-negative curved rod, motile, microaerophilic, and thermophilic—best matches Campylobacter and helps distinguish it from organisms that are non-motile, Gram-positive, cocci, anaerobic, spore-forming, or straight-rod aerobes.

Campylobacter is described as a Gram-negative curved (often S- or comma-shaped) rod that is motile thanks to its polar flagella. It grows best under microaerophilic conditions, meaning it requires reduced oxygen levels rather than full air or complete anaerobiosis. In the lab, many strains are considered thermophilic because they prefer higher temperatures, with 42°C often used to optimize growth. This combination of shape, motility, and growth requirements—Gram-negative curved rod, motile, microaerophilic, and thermophilic—best matches Campylobacter and helps distinguish it from organisms that are non-motile, Gram-positive, cocci, anaerobic, spore-forming, or straight-rod aerobes.