Campylobacter Infection
A common food-borne bacterial infection causing diarrhea and cramps
Quick Facts
- Type: Bacterial gastrointestinal infection
- Common sources: Undercooked poultry, raw milk, untreated water
- Main symptoms: Diarrhea (often bloody), cramps, fever
- Usual course: Resolves in about a week
Overview
Campylobacter infection is one of the most common causes of bacterial food poisoning. It is caused by Campylobacter bacteria, which most often reach people through undercooked poultry, unpasteurized (raw) milk, contaminated water, or contact with infected animals. The infection causes inflammation of the gut, leading to diarrhea, cramping, and fever.
Most people recover on their own within about a week, and the main risk is dehydration from fluid loss. Occasionally the infection is more severe or leads to complications. Staying well hydrated is the most important part of care, and good food and hand hygiene are key to preventing it.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually begin 2 to 5 days after exposure and last about a week. They commonly include:
- Diarrhea, which is often watery and may be bloody
- Stomach cramps and abdominal pain
- Fever
- Nausea and sometimes vomiting
- Headache and muscle aches
- General tiredness
Watch for signs of dehydration, such as marked thirst, dry mouth, little or dark urine, dizziness, and weakness. In infants, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems, dehydration and complications can develop more easily and need prompt attention.
Causes
Campylobacter infection is caused by swallowing the bacteria, usually through contaminated food, water, or contact. Common sources include:
- Undercooked poultry: Raw or undercooked chicken is the most common source.
- Cross-contamination: Juices from raw meat contaminating other foods, surfaces, or utensils.
- Unpasteurized milk and untreated water: Raw milk and water from unsafe sources.
- Animal contact: Handling infected animals, including pets, especially young or sick ones.
Even a small number of bacteria can cause illness. The infection can sometimes spread from person to person through poor hand hygiene.
Risk Factors
- Eating undercooked poultry or other meat
- Drinking unpasteurized milk or untreated water
- Handling raw meat without proper hand and surface hygiene
- Contact with farm animals or pets with diarrhea
- Travel to areas with unsafe food and water
- Young age, older age, or a weakened immune system (higher risk of severe illness)
Diagnosis
Many mild cases are diagnosed based on symptoms alone. When testing is needed, it usually involves:
- Stool test: A laboratory test of a stool sample can detect Campylobacter and confirm the cause.
- Clinical assessment: Reviewing symptoms, recent foods, travel, and animal contact.
- Blood tests: Occasionally used to check for dehydration or complications in severe cases.
Treatment
Most people recover with simple supportive care at home:
- Fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids, and using oral rehydration solutions if needed, is the most important step to prevent dehydration.
- Rest and gradual eating: Returning to bland foods as tolerated.
- Antibiotics: Not needed for most cases, but may be prescribed for severe illness, prolonged symptoms, or people at high risk of complications.
Anti-diarrheal medicines should be used cautiously and not without medical advice, especially if there is blood in the stool or a high fever. Severe dehydration may require fluids given by vein in a medical setting.
Prevention
- Cook poultry and meat thoroughly until no longer pink and juices run clear
- Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and washing hands and surfaces after handling raw meat
- Do not drink unpasteurized milk or untreated water
- Wash hands well after using the toilet, handling animals, and before eating or preparing food
- Take care with food and water when traveling
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if you have:
- Diarrhea that lasts more than a few days or is severe
- Blood in the stool
- A high fever
- Signs of dehydration such as little urine, dizziness, or extreme weakness
- Severe abdominal pain
Seek prompt care for infants, older adults, pregnant people, or anyone with a weakened immune system who develops these symptoms, and seek urgent care for signs of severe dehydration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get a Campylobacter infection?
It usually comes from contaminated food or water, most often undercooked poultry, unpasteurized milk, or untreated water. It can also spread through cross-contamination in the kitchen or contact with infected animals. Even a small number of bacteria can cause illness.
How long does Campylobacter infection last?
Symptoms usually begin 2 to 5 days after exposure and last about a week. Most people recover on their own with rest and fluids, though tiredness may linger a little longer.
Do I need antibiotics for Campylobacter?
Most people do not need antibiotics and recover with fluids and rest. Antibiotics may be prescribed for severe or prolonged illness, or for people at high risk of complications. Always follow your doctor's advice.
What is the most important part of treatment?
Staying hydrated is the most important step, because the main risk is dehydration from diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids and use oral rehydration solutions if needed. Seek care if you cannot keep fluids down or show signs of dehydration.
How can I prevent Campylobacter infection?
Cook poultry and meat thoroughly, avoid cross-contamination by separating raw meat from other foods and washing hands and surfaces, do not drink unpasteurized milk or untreated water, and wash hands well after using the toilet or handling animals.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Campylobacter (Campylobacteriosis).
- Mayo Clinic. Food poisoning — Symptoms and causes.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Campylobacter infections.
- World Health Organization (WHO). Campylobacter.