Protective effect of SARS-CoV-2 preventive measures against ESKAPE and Escherichia coli infections.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether behavioral precautions adopted during Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic also influenced the spreading and multidrug resistance (MDR) of ESKAPEEc (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii [AB], Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp and Escherichia Coli, [EC]) among Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We performed a single-center retrospective study in adult patients admitted to our COVID-19-free surgical ICU. Only patients staying in ICU for more than 48 hours were included. The ESKAPEEc infections recorded during the COVID-19 period (June 1, 2020 - February 28, 2021) and in the corresponding pre-pandemic period (June 1, 2019 - February 28, 2020) were compared. An interrupted time series analysis was performed to rule out possible confounders. RESULTS: Overall, 173 patients in the COVID-19 period and 132 in the pre-COVID-19 period were investigated. The ESKAPEEc infections were documented in 23 (13.3%) and 35 (26.5%) patients in the pandemic and the pre-pandemic periods, respectively (p = 0.005). Demographics, diagnosis, comorbidities, type of surgery, Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, length of mechanical ventilation, hospital and ICU length of stay, ICU death rate, and 28-day hospital mortality were similar in the two groups. In comparison with the pre-pandemic period, no AB was recorded during COVID-19 period, (p = 0.017), while extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing EC infections significantly decreased (p = 0.017). Overall, the ESKAPEEc isolates during pandemic less frequently exhibited multidrug-resistant (p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that a robust adherence to hygiene measures together with human contact restrictions in a COVID-19 free ICU might also restrain the transmission of ESKAPEEc pathogens.

CAPNOCYTOPHAGA CANIMORSUS ENDOPHTHALMITIS AFTER CATARACT SURGERY LINKED TO SALIVARY DOG-TO-HUMAN TRANSMISSION.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of acute postoperative bacterial endophthalmitis because of Capnocytophaga canimorsus after cataract surgery, with probable contamination through salivary droplets of dog two days after the procedure. METHODS: An 83-year-old woman who underwent uncomplicated cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation, presented 12 days later with acute pain, redness, and vision loss in her left eye. Visual acuity was hand motion and clinical findings suggested the diagnosis of acute postoperative endophthalmitis. The patient underwent diagnostic vitrectomy, intravitreal ceftazidime/vancomycin injection and received oral moxifloxacin (400 mg/day). Two days later, she underwent complete pars-plana vitrectomy because of the absence of clinical improvement. Vitreous samples showed gram-negative bacterium on direct examination but cultures remained sterile, which prompted the realization of a broad-range bacterial polymerase chain reaction analysis. RESULTS: Polymerase chain reaction on the vitreous sample detected C. canimorsus, a fastidious gram-negative bacterium of the oral canine flora. When asked for recent contact with dogs, the patient reported having proceeded to an intensive tooth care session for her dog at postoperative Day 2. Intravenous ceftriaxone (2 g/day) was added to the treatment. Anterior and posterior segment inflammation slowly resolved, and final visual acuity was 20/160. CONCLUSION: Although very rare, this complication suggests that patients undergoing ocular surgery should avoid contact with salivary secretions of pets during the early postoperative period. Diagnostic broad-range bacterial polymerase chain reaction is useful to detect unconventional or slow-growing agents in vitreous samples.

Molecular detection of vector-borne agents in cats in Southern Brazil / Detecção molecular de agentes transmitidos por vetores em felinos domésticos no Sul do Brasil

Abstract This study used serological and molecular methods to investigate the occurrence of vector-borne pathogens (VBP) with zoonotic potential in cats neutered at the University Veterinary Hospital in Canoinhas, Santa Catarina. The combined PCR and serological results revealed that 17 (56.6%) cats were positive for one or more pathogens. The sampled cats had antibodies to Ehrlichia spp. (7/30), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (3/30) and Leishmania infantum (2/30). The PCR assay detected DNA closely related to Ehrlichia canis in 6/30 cats, Mycoplasma haemofelis in 2/30 cats, A. phagocytophilum and Cytauxzoon sp. in one cat each. While Bartonella clarridgeiae and B. henselae were detected in two cats each, and B. koehlerae was detected in one cat.

Resumo Como os felinos podem ser parasitados por diversos patógenos transmitidos por vetores (PTV), alguns com caráter zoonótico, este estudo objetivou detectar por métodos sorológicos e moleculares, patógenos transmitidos por vetores hematófagos, em gatos atendidos em um Hospital Veterinário Universitário em Santa Catarina. Os resultados da PCR e da sorologia combinados, revelaram que 17 (56,6%) gatos foram positivos para um ou mais patógenos. Na sorologia, foram positivos 7/30 gatos para Ehrlichia, 3/30 para Anaplasma phagocytophilum e 2/30 para Leishmania infantum. Na PCR foi detectado DNA filogeneticamente associado a: Ehrlichia canis em 6/30 gatos; Mycoplasma haemofelis, em 2/30 gatos; A. phagocytophilum e Cytauxzoon sp. em 1/30 gatos cada. Enquanto Bartonella clarridgeiae e B. henselae foram detectadas, cada uma, em dois gatos, B. koehlerae foi detectada em um gato.

Cystic fibrosis pathogens survive for extended periods within cough-generated droplet nuclei.

The airborne route is a potential pathway in the person-to-person transmission of bacterial strains among cystic fibrosis (CF) populations. In this cross-sectional study, we investigate the physical properties and survival of common non-Pseudomonas aeruginosa CF pathogens generated during coughing. We conclude that Gram-negative bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus are aerosolised during coughing, can travel up to 4 m and remain viable within droplet nuclei for up to 45 min. These results suggest that airborne person-to-person transmission is plausible for the CF pathogens we measured.

Serological evidence of exposure to some zoonotic microorganisms in cattle and humans with occupational exposure to livestock in Antioquia, Colombia.

Bacteria belonging to Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia and Coxiella genera are considered emerging pathogens and livestock is one of the contexts where the transmission of these microorganisms can occur. The goal of this study was to determine serological evidence for the exposure to these bacteria in cattle and humans with occupational exposure to livestock in the subregions North and Magdalena Medio, Antioquia, Colombia, and to explore related factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 48 livestock farms distributed in six municipalities from both subregions: Belmira, Entrerríos and San Pedro de los Milagros (North), and Puerto Berrío, Puerto Nare and Puerto Triunfo (Magdalena Medio). Blood samples from 332 people and 384 bovines were evaluated by serology (IgM and IgG) screening for bacteria from the Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, and Coxiella genera. Seropositivity in humans from both regions was 42.4% (95%CI: 31.2-55.1) for Anaplasma, 74.2% (95%CI: 66.0-84.4) for Ehrlichia, 72.5% (95%CI: 62.1-82.0) for Rickettsia, and 60.7% (95%CI: 59.7-69.1) for Coxiella burnetii. In cattle, seropositivity was 31.6% (95%CI: 19.9-44.2), 66.8% (95%CI: 55.2-78.1), 64.6% (95%CI: 53.8-74.5), and 61.6% (95%CI: 51.9-69.2), respectively. History of biting by ticks, milking, vaccination, having dogs and hens in the residence, as well as the consumption of raw milk derivatives were some factors associated with the infection by the bacteria studied. The results suggest a previous and recent exposure to these zoonotic bacteria genera in people with occupational exposure to livestock, as well as in cattle in the two studied subregions.

Serological evidence of exposure to some zoonotic microorganisms in cattle and humans with occupational exposure to livestock in Antioquia, Colombia / Evidencia serológica de exposición a algunos microorganismos zoonóticos en bovinos y humanos con exposición ocupacional a ganadería en Antioquia, Colombia / Evidências sorológicas de exposição a alguns microrganismos zoonóticos em bovinos e em humanos com exposição ocupacional ao gado na Antióquia, Colômbia

Bacteria belonging to Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia and Coxiella genera are considered emerging pathogens and livestock is one of the contexts where the transmission of these microorganisms can occur. The goal of this study was to determine serological evidence for the exposure to these bacteria in cattle and humans with occupational exposure to livestock in the subregions North and Magdalena Medio, Antioquia, Colombia, and to explore related factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 48 livestock farms distributed in six municipalities from both subregions: Belmira, Entrerríos and San Pedro de los Milagros (North), and Puerto Berrío, Puerto Nare and Puerto Triunfo (Magdalena Medio). Blood samples from 332 people and 384 bovines were evaluated by serology (IgM and IgG) screening for bacteria from the Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, and Coxiella genera. Seropositivity in humans from both regions was 42.4% (95%CI: 31.2-55.1) for Anaplasma, 74.2% (95%CI: 66.0-84.4) for Ehrlichia, 72.5% (95%CI: 62.1-82.0) for Rickettsia, and 60.7% (95%CI: 59.7-69.1) for Coxiella burnetii. In cattle, seropositivity was 31.6% (95%CI: 19.9-44.2), 66.8% (95%CI: 55.2-78.1), 64.6% (95%CI: 53.8-74.5), and 61.6% (95%CI: 51.9-69.2), respectively. History of biting by ticks, milking, vaccination, having dogs and hens in the residence, as well as the consumption of raw milk derivatives were some factors associated with the infection by the bacteria studied. The results suggest a previous and recent exposure to these zoonotic bacteria genera in people with occupational exposure to livestock, as well as in cattle in the two studied subregions.

Las bacterias pertenecientes a los géneros Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia y Coxiella son consideradas patógenos emergentes y la ganadería es uno de los contextos donde se puede producir la transmisión de este tipo de microorganismos. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la evidencia serológica, debida a la exposición a estas bacterias en bovinos y humanos con exposición ocupacional a ganadería en las subregiones Norte y Magdalena Medio, Antioquia, Colombia, además de estudiar los factores relacionados. Se realizó un estudio transversal en 48 fincas ganaderas, distribuidas en seis municipios de ambas subregiones: Belmira, Entrerríos y San Pedro de los Milagros (Norte), y Puerto Berrío, Puerto Nare y Puerto Triunfo (Magdalena Medio). Las muestras de sangre de 332 personas y 384 bovinos fueron evaluadas mediante tamización serológica (IgM e IgG) para la detección de bacterias de los géneros Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, y Coxiella. La seropositividad en humanos de ambas regiones fue 42,4% (IC95%: 31,2-55,1) en el caso de Anaplasma, un 74,2% (IC95%: 66,0-84,4) en Ehrlichia, un 72,5% (IC95%: 62,1-82,0) en Rickettsia, y un 60,7% (IC95%: 59,7-69,1) en Coxiella burnetii. En los bovinos, la seropositividad fue 31,6% (IC95%: 19,9-44,2), 66,8% (IC95%: 55,2-78,1), 64,6% (IC95%: 53,8-74,5), y 61,6% (IC95%: 51,9-69,2), respectivamente. El antecedente de haber sido mordido por garrapatas, ordeñar, vacunación, tener perros y gallinas en la residencia, así como el consumo de derivados de leche cruda fueron algunos de los factores asociados con la infección por las bacterias estudiadas. Los resultados sugieren la exposición previa y reciente a estas bacterias en personas con una exposición ocupacional a la ganadería, así como a los bovinos en las dos subregiones estudiadas.

As bactérias dos gêneros Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia e Coxiella são considerados patógenos emergentes, e a transmissão desses microrganismos pode ocorrer no contexto da pecuária. O estudo teve como objetivos determinar as evidências sorológicas de exposição a essas bactérias em bovinos e em humanos com exposição ocupacional ao gado nas sub-regiões Norte e Magdalena Médio, Antióquia, Colômbia, e explorar fatores associados. Foi realizado um estudo transversal em 48 fazendas de gado bovino distribuídas em seis municípios nas duas sub-regiões: Belmira, Entrerríos e San Pedro de los Milagros (Norte) e Puerto Berrío, Puerto Nare e Puerto Triunfo (Magdalena Médio). Amostras de sangue de 332 humanos e 384 bovinos foram analisadas com sorologia (IgM e IgG) para bactérias dos gêneros Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia e Coxiella. Os níveis de sorologia positiva em humanos das duas regiões foram de 42,4% (IC95%: 31,2-55,1) para Anaplasma, 74,2% (IC95%: 66,0-84,4) para Ehrlichia, 72,5% (IC95%: 62,1-82,0) para Rickettsia e 60,7% (IC95%: 59,7-69,1) para Coxiella burnetii. Nos bovinos, os níveis foram 31,6% (IC95%: 19,9-44,2), 66,8% (IC95%: 55,2-78,1), 64,6% (IC95%: 53,8-74,5) e 61,6% (IC95%: 51,9-69,2), respectivamente. Os fatores associados às bactérias estudadas foram: história de picada de carrapato, ordenha, vacinação, presença de cães e galinhas no domicílio e consumo de laticínios feitos com leite cru, entre outros. Os resultados sugerem exposição prévia e recente a esses gêneros bacterianos zoonóticos em pessoas com contato ocupacional com gado, assim como nos próprios animais, nas duas sub-regiões estudadas.

Ca. Branchiomonas cysticola, Ca. Piscichlamydia salmonis and Salmon Gill Pox Virus transmit horizontally in Atlantic salmon held in fresh water.

Elucidation of the role of infectious agents putatively involved in gill disease is commonly hampered by the lack of culture systems for these organisms. In this study, a farmed population of Atlantic salmon pre-smolts, displaying proliferative gill disease with associated Candidatus Branchiomonas cysticola, Ca. Piscichlamydia salmonis and Atlantic salmon gill pox virus (SGPV) infections, was identified. A subpopulation of the diseased fish was used as a source of waterborne infection towards a population of naïve Atlantic salmon pre-smolts. Ca. B. cysticola infection became established in exposed naïve fish at high prevalence within the first month of exposure and the bacterial load increased over the study period. Ca. P. salmonis and SGPV infections were identified only at low prevalence in exposed fish during the trial. Although clinically healthy, at termination of the trial the exposed, naïve fish displayed histologically visible pathological changes typified by epithelial hyperplasia and subepithelial inflammation with associated bacterial inclusions, confirmed by fluorescent in situ hybridization to contain Ca. B. cysticola. The results strongly suggest that Ca. B. cysticola infections transmit directly from fish to fish and that the bacterium is directly associated with the pathological changes observed in the exposed, previously naïve fish.

Rhizobium radiobacter Endocarditis in an Intravenous Drug User: Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Treatment.

Rhizobium radiobacter, a soil-based organism, is not, usually, pathogenic unless in the immunecompromised. Endocarditis, in the immunocompromised, is a typical presentation generally as a result of catheter-based infections. We describe the presentation of R. radiobacter prosthetic valve endocarditis and the inherent challenges in its presentation and diagnosis. A patient presented with acute limb ischemia secondary to R. radiobacter-mediated endocarditis and subsequent thromboembolization of the distal superior femoral and proximal popliteal arteries in the left lower limb. He underwent an uneventful thrombolectomy that restored blood flow distal to the occlusion and restored the patency of the affected arteries. Postoperatively, the patient maintained several unexplained febrile episodes. Blood cultures remained negative for infection. A cardiac work-up demonstrated the presence of vegetative growth on the prosthetic mitral and native aortic valves. Histopathologic analysis of the extracted thrombus confirmed the presence of R. radiobacter. On further history, it was elucidated that the patient was an intravenous drug user who routinely stored drug paraphernalia in plant beds. The patient recovered uneventfully after Piptazobactam was administered. R. radiobacter, and similarly other soil-based pathogens, should be considered as a potential source of endocarditic infection and thromboembolization in patients who similarly describe a history of intravenous drug use.

[Hygiene, Screening and Management of Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens (3MRGN, 4 MRGN, MRSA) in Urology]. / Hygiene, Screening und Management multiresistenter Erreger (3MRGN, 4 MRGN, MRSA) in der Urologie.

The increasing development of resistance to antibiotics has fatal consequences for the treatment of infectious diseases. One of the main causes is the inappropriate use, and therefore overuse, of these substances. Today, multidrug-resistant pathogens are a major problem for facilities of the public health system, especially for hospitals. Pathogens of particular interest are methicillin-resistant S. aureus and multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. Adapted hygienic measures, effective screening and functioning management of affected patients are required to reduce the risk of infection for patients and staff as well as the spread of pathogens.

Candidatus Coxiella massiliensis Infection.

Bacteria genetically related to Coxiella burnetii have been found in ticks. Using molecular techniques, we detected Coxiella-like bacteria, here named Candidatus Coxiella massiliensis, in skin biopsy samples and ticks removed from patients with an eschar. This organism may be a common agent of scalp eschar and neck lymphadenopathy after tick bite.

Mycotic Aneurysm following a Dog Bite: The Value of the Clinical History and Molecular Diagnostics.

A 63-year-old Caucasian taxi driver presented with a 3-week history of malaise, night sweats, 7 kg weight loss, generalized arthralgia, and persistent mid-lower abdominal pain. Blood inflammatory markers were raised, and a computed tomography scan demonstrated an irregular degeneration of the infrarenal aorta, with a differential diagnosis including aortic infection. An urgent type IV thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair was performed with a rifampicin-soaked aortic tube graft during an open procedure. No organisms were grown from multiple peripheral blood cultures or culture of the affected aorta. However, subsequent 16S ribosomal polymerase chain reaction analysis of the resected aorta identified Capnocytophaga canimorsus as the causative organism-a commensal that lives in the mouth of dogs and cats. The patient subsequently gave a history of multiple bites from his pet dog over recent months-the likely source of infection. He was treated with 8 weeks of intravenous antibiotics before switching to oral antibiotics for an additional 6 weeks.

Epidemic spread of Pandoraea pulmonicola in a cystic fibrosis center.

BACKGROUND: Pandoraea spp. are recently discovered bacteria, mainly recovered from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, but their epidemiology and clinical significance are not well known. We describe an epidemic spread of Pandoraea pulmonicola from 2009 in our CF center, involving 6 out of 243 CF patients. METHODS: Bacterial identification used amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA), MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and 16S rDNA gene sequencing. The clonal link between strains was assessed with pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) using XbaI. Clinical data were gathered for all patients. RESULTS: The index case was chronically colonized since 2000. The main hypothesis for this bacterial spread was a droplet cross-transmission, due to preventive measures not being strictly followed. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed resistance to beta-lactams, ciprofloxacin and colistin. However, there was susceptibility to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. All patients were chronically colonized with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the acquisition of P. pulmonicola resulted in chronic colonization in all patients. Three patients died, and two patients remained clinically stable, whereas one patient had a decline in lung function. CONCLUSIONS: This study, which is the first to describe an epidemic spread of P. pulmonicola, notes the potential transmissibility of this bacterial species and the need for infection control measures.

[Hospital disinfection challenges due to multiresistant pathogens in surgery]. / Krankenhaushygienische Herausforderungen durch multiresistente Erreger in der Chirurgie.

The number of antibiotic-resistant pathogens is increasing continuously while the development of new, effective antibiotics cannot be expected in the near future. Postoperative infections represent most of the nosocomial infections by now. Based on this, hygienic strategies regain importance, since a sustainable control of nosocomial infections will not succeed without the implementation of such strategies. In this article, the most important preventive strategies for prevention of infections with MRSA and 3- and 4-fold resistant gram-negative bacteria on the basis of current recommendations of the Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention (KRINKO) are presented.

Experimental infection of cattle with ovine Dichelobacter nodosus isolates.

BACKGROUND: Dichelobacter nodosus is the main causative agent of ovine footrot, and there are strong indications that the bacterium can be transferred to cattle grazing on the same pasture as sheep. The aim of this study was to investigate if benign and virulent D. nodosus strains isolated from sheep can be transferred to the interdigital skin of cattle under experimental conditions. Further, we wanted to observe the impact of such infection on bovine foot health, and test the effect of topical chlortetracycline (Cyclo spray(®): Eurovet) on the infection. FINDINGS: Six heifers were included in the study. After an initial 18-day maceration period, three heifers were inoculated on one single foot with a benign strain and three with a virulent strain by adding bacterial suspension in a bandage. The bandages were left on for 17 days, and when removed, D. nodosus was isolated from all six heifers. All six heifers developed interdigital dermatitis. In five of the heifers D. nodosus organisms were demonstrated within the epidermis. Twenty-four days after treatment with chlortetracycline all heifers were negative by cultivation, but tested positive for D. nodosus by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two of the six heifers still tested positive for D. nodosus by PCR 49 days after treatment. After 70 days, all heifers tested negative for D. nodosus. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that both virulent and benign D. nodosus strains originating from sheep can be transferred to naïve heifers under experimental conditions. Further, the study supports the hypothesis that infections with virulent D. nodosus in cattle are associated with interdigital dermatitis. No conclusion regarding the treatment of D. nodosus infection with chlortetracycline was possible.

Achromobacter species in cystic fibrosis: cross-infection caused by indirect patient-to-patient contact.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: Achromobacter species leads to chronic infection in an increasing number of CF patients. We report 2 cases of Achromobacter ruhlandii cross-infection between patients after well-described indirect contact. RESULTS: Both cases were young, stable, CF patients without chronic infections and with normal FEV1, but experienced clinical deterioration after visits to the home of a CF patient with A. ruhlandii infection and after sharing facilities with an A. ruhlandii infected CF patient on a skiing vacation, respectively. Both cases became positive for A. ruhlandii in airway secretions and were colonized with A. ruhlandii in their sinuses. Aggressive, long-term antibiotic treatment led to clinical stability. One of the cases developed chronic A. ruhlandii infection. CONCLUSION: A. species can cause cross-infection even after a short period of indirect contact between infected and non-infected CF patients. Patients should be followed closely for several months before the possibility of cross-infection is ruled out.

Arcobacter: un patógeno emergente de origen alimentario / Arcobacter: a foodborne emerging pathogen

En las últimas tres décadas, se han identificado gran número de enfermedades emergentes que afectan al ser humano, la mayoría de las cuales son de origen infeccioso e incluyen enfermedades bacterianas, virales, parasitarias, entre otras. Muchas de éstas son de origen zoonótico, tal es el caso de algunas especies de Arcobacter, actualmente consideradas bacterias emergentes y, también, asociadas a transmisión alimentaria y de creciente importancia en salud pública. El incremento en los datos de prevalencia e incidencia de casos asociados a esta sugiere que la infección en humanos y animales ha sido subestimada, debido a la carencia de conocimientos al respecto y de un protocolo estándar, universalmente aceptado, para el aislamiento primario de este organismo y al uso de correctos métodos y técnicas de identificación. El incremento en el hallazgo de Arcobacter en alimentos derivados de animales y en muestras tomadas durante el proceso de producción de alimentos, hace que aumente la preocupación en materia de salud pública, ya que aún se conoce muy poco del potencial patogénico de las especies Arcobacter y los pocos estudios que se han llevado a cabo, muestran una gran cantidad de especies hospederas y rutas de transmisión. Dado lo anterior, el objetivo de la presente revisión es el actualizar al lector en las características más destacadas de esta bacteria en cuanto a su morfología, distribución, clasificación, transmisión, asociación con aguas, alimentos, mascotas y animales de crianza, como también sobre su aislamiento en laboratorio, factores de virulencia y patrones de sensibilidad a antibióticos.

In the last three decades, several emergent diseases affecting human beings have been identified, most of them from infectious origin including bacterial, viral, parasitic and even difficult to classify as spongiform encephalopathy. Most of these are zoonotic as it is the case of Arcobacter, currently considered as an emerging and food borne pathogen, of growing importance for public health. The increase in the prevalence and incidence of cases associated to this bacteria as well as in the number of actual researches and reports, suggest that the infection in human beings and animals has been underestimated due to a lack in knowledge about this bacteria and of a standardized isolation protocols, as well as the use of correct identification methods and techniques. Increasing trends in the isolation of Arcobacter from animal derivates used as food and from samples taken during production processes, cause an augment in public health awareness, since there is little knowledge about the pathogenic potential of Arcobacter species and the few focused in this bacterial group, show many different transmission routes and host species. Given this, the objective of the present review is to actualize the reader in the most important characteristics of this bacterium, including its morphology, distribution, classification, transmission, association with water, food, pets and animals, as well as the laboratory isolation techniques, virulence factors and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns.