Campylobacter is a common cause of gastroenteritis worldwide, with symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. In most cases, the infection clears up on its own, but severe cases may require antibiotics. Good hygiene and clean food sources can reduce the risk of infection.
Campylobacter is a gram negative bacterial genus that is a leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide. Infection with Campylobacter bacteria is formally known as campylobacteriosis. In most cases, the infection clears up on its own within a few days without complications, but it can lead to serious complications or health problems in some patients. Many people have been infected with such bacteria at some point in their lives, thanks to Campylobacter’s ubiquity around the world.
Two particular species have been indicated as frequent culprits of cases of gastroenteritis: Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni. In both cases, the bacteria are normally found in fecal material and are ingested through poorly sanitized water, improperly handled food, and contaminated meat. The symptoms of campylobacteriosis emerge in most cases within one to three days of infection.
Diarrhea is the most common symptom of Campylobacter infection, often associated with vomiting, nausea and blood in the stool. The patient may also experience abdominal cramps, low-grade fever, and sweating. As a general rule, the patient does not require advanced medical care, but an ample supply of clean water is required to prevent dehydration. Eating soups can also be beneficial, as soup is easy to digest and provides hydration and nutrition.
The infection goes away within 10 to 10 days in most cases. If symptoms are severe, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics will also be used in patients with compromised immune systems, as Campylobacter bacteria could potentially enter the bloodstream and cause serious complications. While the patient is actively infected, it is important to observe good hygiene, especially hand washing, after having contact with the patient.
In rare cases, Campylobacter infection can cause Guillain-Barré syndrome or arthritis, usually weeks to months after the initial infection. However, most infections with this spiral-shaped bacteria come and go without long-term health problems. The risk of infection can be greatly reduced by drinking clean water, washing hands regularly, and using food from clean, reputable sources. This will also reduce the risk of infection from other foodborne bacteria. Raw chicken, in particular, appears to be a harbor for this bacteria, along with other unwanted organisms such as Salmonella.
A common source of foodborne bacterial infection is eating out in restaurants that are not scrupulous about hygiene. Many regional health departments post the results of their inspections publicly for people who would rather frequent restaurants with a good record, and in some cities, restaurants are required to post a health department-issued letter in their windows for the benefit of consumers.
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