Which temperature is optimal for the growth of Campylobacter jejuni?

Which temperature is optimal for the growth of Campylobacter jejuni?

• A. 42 C
• B. 37 C
• C. 25 C
• D. 4 C

Answer: (A)

Campylobacter jejuni thrives best at a higher temperature similar to the gut temperature of birds, around 42°C, especially under microaerophilic conditions. This warmer temperature aligns with its natural reservoir in poultry, where the bacteria have adapted to grow quickly and efficiently. At 42°C the cellular processes and enzymes function optimally to support rapid replication, which is why this temperature is considered ideal for its growth in the lab and in nature. Lower temperatures slow growth or inhibit it: 37°C is still human body temperature but not as favorable for this organism, 25°C is room temperature with much slower growth, and 4°C is essentially inhibitory for active growth.

Campylobacter jejuni thrives best at a higher temperature similar to the gut temperature of birds, around 42°C, especially under microaerophilic conditions. This warmer temperature aligns with its natural reservoir in poultry, where the bacteria have adapted to grow quickly and efficiently. At 42°C the cellular processes and enzymes function optimally to support rapid replication, which is why this temperature is considered ideal for its growth in the lab and in nature. Lower temperatures slow growth or inhibit it: 37°C is still human body temperature but not as favorable for this organism, 25°C is room temperature with much slower growth, and 4°C is essentially inhibitory for active growth.