What are the optimal atmospheric conditions for Campylobacter growth?

Campylobacter is a genus of bacteria that require specific atmospheric conditions for optimal growth. They are classified as obligate microaerophiles, which means they thrive in environments with reduced oxygen tension—typically around 5% oxygen—coupled with elevated levels of carbon dioxide (approximately 10% to 15%). These conditions simulate the natural environments where Campylobacter species, such as Campylobacter jejuni, are commonly found, such as in the intestines of animals.

In contrast, aerobic conditions provide too much oxygen for these bacteria, which can be harmful to their growth. Facultative anaerobic conditions allow bacteria to grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen, but Campylobacter does not efficiently utilize oxygen at higher concentrations. Strict anaerobic conditions do not provide any oxygen, making it impossible for obligate microaerophiles like Campylobacter to grow.

Understanding these atmospheric requirements is critical in laboratory settings, where proper incubation conditions must be maintained to isolate and identify these organisms successfully.