Which organism is a curved, Gram-negative rod with gull-wing appearance, is microaerophilic, and shows positive hippurate hydrolysis?

Prepare for the CAMLPR Microbiology Test. Utilize flashcards and engaging multiple-choice questions, each equipped with descriptions and explanations. Ready yourself for an excellent performance!

The question tests how morphological clues combine with a key biochemical test to identify a curved, microaerophilic Gram-negative rod. A gull-wing (seagull) appearance on Gram stain points to Campylobacter species, which are slender, curved rods that look like two opposing curves. They require reduced oxygen levels to grow, i.e., they’re microaerophilic. The hippurate hydrolysis test is a classic differential: Campylobacter jejuni hydrolyzes hippurate to yield a positive result, which helps distinguish it from other Campylobacter species such as C. coli that are typically hippurate negative. Among the organisms listed, the one that matches all these characteristics is Campylobacter jejuni. Helicobacter pylori is also curved and microaerophilic but does not give a positive hippurate reaction in this context, and Vibrio vulnificus is a curved Gram-negative rod with different biochemical traits and does not display hippurate hydrolysis positive.