[Campylobacter fetus subsp. jejuni: etiological, epidemiological and preventive aspects].

The Authors, after a brief introduction, examine on the basis of the most recent literature, the taxonomy and the microbiological features of Campylobacter fetus subsp. jejuni, giving a detailed description of the chemical composition, of the biochemical, physiological and nutritional characters, of the antigenic composition and of the cultural methods. Later on, they state the problems arising from the epidemiology of the infections caused by this germ either in man or in animals, examining the most relevant sources of infection. Finally, the Authors describe the most recent laboratory diagnostic methods, the pathogenesis, the clinical manifestations and the prevention of infection, concluding with some therapeutical remarks.