Arcobacter

Arcobacter is a genus of Gram-negative, microaerophilic, rod-shaped bacteria found in the intestinal and reproductive tracts of animals and humans. Taxonomically close to Campylobacter within the same bacterial class, it includes emerging foodborne pathogens such as Arcobacter butzleri and A. cryaerophilus. Documented sources of human infection include raw chicken meat, which A. butzleri frequently contaminates, and raw milk. Unlike the strictly thermophilic campylobacters, arcobacters can grow at cooler temperatures, which complicates chilled-food control. Microbiologists increasingly monitor the genus with molecular methods such as PCR, and the standard defences apply: thorough cooking, pasteurisation of milk, hygienic slaughter, and prevention of cross-contamination in kitchens and processing plants.