This organism is a small, motile, and microaerophilic Gram-negative bacillus with a comma, S, or gull-wing shape. Growth is enhanced by incubation at elevated temperature and modified atmosphere (decreased oxygen and increased carbon dioxide). Campylobacter species do not produce acids from sugars, a trait that separates them from Vibrio species. Because of their selection using 42 C incubation, the number and variety of tests used for identification is limited.
Its reservoir is usually the reproductive organs, intestinal tracts, and oral cavities of animals and birds, and it is commonly associated with diarrhea in seagulls. It can be a cause of human disease on rare occasions.