What characterizes Campylobacter?

Campylobacter is classified as a microaerophilic organism, which means it requires a reduced level of oxygen for growth. Specifically, Campylobacter species thrive in environments with lower oxygen concentrations than what is found in the atmosphere, typically around 5-10% oxygen, while the remainder is mainly carbon dioxide. This characteristic is crucial for its survival and proliferation, as traditional aerobic conditions can be detrimental to this bacterium.

The other options do not accurately describe the nature of Campylobacter. For instance, being an obligate aerobe implies an absolute requirement for high levels of oxygen, which is not the case for Campylobacter. It also does not thrive in high oxygen environments, as excessive oxygen can inhibit its growth. Additionally, Campylobacter does not form spores, which is a trait associated with certain other bacterial genera that can survive extreme conditions. Understanding these characteristics is essential for diagnostic and treatment approaches related to infections caused by Campylobacter.