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Campylobacter coli is a bacterium species in the genus Campylobacter. 28 proteins have been identified present only in Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli, indicating a close relationship between these two species. It is identified as a gram-negative, S-shaped bacterium, non-spore forming and microaerophillic as well. However, unlike C. jejuni, C. coli is much less prevalent in cases dealing with infections. Although much more rare than its cousin, C. coli is just as effective in causing debilitating problems, which are usually non-lethal.

Human Diseases
At least a dozen species of Campylobacter have been implicated in human disease (Campylobacteriosis), with C. jejuni and C. coli the most common. In humans, 85% to 95% of infections by the Campylobacter species involve C. jejuni, while C. coli is involved in a majority of the other cases. The bacterium is also found in cattle, swine and birds. Similar to the C. jejuni, the C. coli has the ability to cause enteritis with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stool and fever. These symptoms are caused by a protein it contains called cytolethal-distending toxin (CDT). This toxin kills cells by blocking portions of the cell cycle, as well as causing DNA damage.

The best treatments for C. coli poisoning seem to be similar to those of C. jejuni. These treatments include antimicrobial drugs such as erythromycin, fluoroquinolones, and tetracycline.