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What is Campylobacter?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Campylobacter is a gram negative bacterial genus which is a leading cause of gastroenteritis around the world. Infection with Campylobacter bacteria is formally known as campylobacteriosis. In most cases, the infection clears up on its own within a few days without any complications, but it can lead to serious complications or health problems in some patients. Many people have been infected with bacteria from this genus at some point in their lives, thanks to the ubiquity of Campylobacter in the world.

Two particular species have been fingered as frequent culprits behind cases of gastroenteritis: Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni. In both cases, the bacteria is normally found in fecal material, and it is ingested through poorly-sanitized water, improperly handled food, and contaminated meat. Symptoms of campylobacteriosis emerge within one to three days of infection in most cases.

Hand washing can prevent the spread of many communicable diseases.
Hand washing can prevent the spread of many communicable diseases.

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 cramping, and mild fever, and sweats. As a general rule, the patient does not require advanced medical care, but an ample supply of clean water is necessary to prevent dehydration. Eating soups can also be helpful, as soup is easy to digest while providing hydration and nutrition.

Undercooked chicken may contain Campylobacter.
Undercooked chicken may contain Campylobacter.

The infection clears within seven to 10 days in most cases. If the symptoms are severe, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics will also be used in patients with compromised immune systems, as the Campylobacter bacteria could potentially enter the bloodstream and cause severe complications. While the patient is actively infected, it is important to observe good hygiene, especially hand washing, after having contact with the patient.

Campylobacter food poisoning often occurs when food is prepared or handled at improper temperatures or in a way that's unsanitary.
Campylobacter food poisoning often occurs when food is prepared or handled at improper temperatures or in a way that's unsanitary.

In rare cases, Campylobacter infection can cause Guillain-Barré syndrome or arthritis, usually weeks or months after the initial infection. Most infections with this spiral-shaped bacteria come and go without any long term health problems, however. The risk of infection can be greatly reduced by drinking clean water, washing hands regularly, and using food from clean and dependable sources. This will also reduce the risk of infection with other food-borne bacteria. Uncooked chicken in particular appears to be a harbor for this bacteria, along with other undesirable organisms like Salmonella.

A mild fever and sweats may be symptomatic of campylobacter.
A mild fever and sweats may be symptomatic of campylobacter.

A common source of bacterial infection from food is eating out at restaurants which are not scrupulous about hygiene. Many regional health departments post the results of their inspections publicly for people who would prefer to patronize restaurants with a good record, and in some cities, restaurants are required to post a health department-issued letter grade in their windows for the benefit of consumers.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon331923

I ate out -- something I rarely do because I have a stomach problem from food poison I got 8 years ago. I stopped and got some chicken tenders. I ate a piece the size of my thumb and six days later and three visits to the doctor, the test came back for campylobacter. I had to be put on ciprofloxacin 500mg x2 7 days. Go get some help guys. That stuff can be fatal. God bless.

anon147155

I have had this too, since the middle of January. it is a nightmare. I feel so weak. i too cannot wait until i feel better. I lost 18 pounds in one week, sleeping constantly. Arrrghh!

anon140385

I have had Campylobacter for the last 10 days and am still recovering from it. I feel so weak and have lost nearly a stone in weight in that time. I cannot remember ever feeling so ill in my 65 years. I have also now developed a water infection, love start to the new year. My sympathy to anyone who gets this.

anon92893

I have had this going on four weeks! I am so ready to not have diarrhea every time I eat. Any suggestions would be helpful!

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    • Hand washing can prevent the spread of many communicable diseases.
      By: Lasse Kristensen
      Hand washing can prevent the spread of many communicable diseases.
    • Undercooked chicken may contain Campylobacter.
      By: Bill
      Undercooked chicken may contain Campylobacter.
    • Campylobacter food poisoning often occurs when food is prepared or handled at improper temperatures or in a way that's unsanitary.
      By: malexeum
      Campylobacter food poisoning often occurs when food is prepared or handled at improper temperatures or in a way that's unsanitary.
    • A mild fever and sweats may be symptomatic of campylobacter.
      By: danilkorolev
      A mild fever and sweats may be symptomatic of campylobacter.
    • Someone with a Campylobacter infection may experience abdominal cramping.
      By: Jane Doe
      Someone with a Campylobacter infection may experience abdominal cramping.
    • Eating out at restaurants can be a common source of bacteria if those restaurants aren't stringent about hygiene.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Eating out at restaurants can be a common source of bacteria if those restaurants aren't stringent about hygiene.
    • A patient with campylobacter infection needs to drink water to prevent dehydration.
      By: mallivan
      A patient with campylobacter infection needs to drink water to prevent dehydration.