Campylobacter Infection - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Introduction

Diarrheal diseases are one of the most commonly known illnesses contracted from contaminated and unsafe food, with 550 million people falling sick every year. Campylobacter is one of the primary causes of diarrheal diseases in the world. In addition, it is the most common causative agent for human gastroenteritis worldwide. They are mild infections but could be life-threatening in young children, immunocompromised, and older adults.

What Is Campylobacter Infection?

Campylobacter infection or campylobacteriosis is contracted by consuming food and water contaminated by the Campylobacter bacteria. It is a diarrheal disease and is also called food poisoning. If they take in enough bacteria, one may present diarrhea, fever, cramps, and vomiting symptoms. According to studies, 20 people out of 100,000 are diagnosed with campylobacter infection annually.

What Causes Campylobacter Infection?

Campylobacter infection is contracted when a person consumes food or drink contaminated with Campylobacter bacteria. Campylobacter usually lives in the digestive system of poultry and cattle. Hence, consuming raw or undercooked meat can also lead to infection. The everyday food items that may become contaminated by campylobacter include:

• Poultry.

• Unpasteurized dairy products.

• Seafood.

• Untreated water.

• Produce.

Once the bacteria enters the individual's body, it infects and attacks the lining of the small and large intestines. It may also affect other body parts, especially in young children or people with chronic illnesses. They may get into the bloodstream and cause bacteremia.

How Is Campylobacter Infection Spread?

• The Campylobacter bacteria usually live in the digestive system of poultry and cattle. Therefore, these animals may sometimes show no symptoms of the infection. However, when people consume this animal meat raw or undercooked or unpasteurized dairy products, they may contract the disease. It can also spread when contaminated and uncontaminated meat are stored together.

• Animal wastes may contaminate lakes and streams; when people drink untreated water, they may get infected. This contaminated water can even spread bacteria to fruits and vegetables when one washes them. Fruits and vegetables can also get Campylobacter bacteria from the soil contaminated with the infected animal's feces. One may also get infected by accidentally touching the feces of an infected animal.

• Household pets like cats and dogs that are infected can also spread the infection. The infection may also spread from person to person if one accidentally touches the infected person's feces.

Who Are at the Risk of Contracting Campylobacter Infections?

• Young children, especially those below the age of one, are more likely to contract the disease.

• Immunocompromised people, including people receiving chemotherapy, having AIDS (Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), or with blood disorders.

• Older adults with weak immunity.

• People stay in unsanitary conditions.

• Travelers that drink water from recreational sources.

• People who handle infected animals, like veterinarians.

• Pet store workers.

• People who have pets, such as dogs and cats, are infected.

• Poultry and cattle farm workers.

What Are the Symptoms of Campylobacter Infection?

The symptoms of a Campylobacter infection appear one to seven days after contracting the bacteria. However, the symptoms may last up to 10 days. The symptoms may include:

• Diarrhea may sometimes contain blood.

• High fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or more.

• Headache.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Stomach cramps.

• Pain in the gut and rectum.

• Dark-colored urine.

• Dry mouth.

• Dry skin.

• Dizziness.

In people receiving chemotherapy, having AIDS, or with blood disorders, the Campylobacter bacteria may spread to the bloodstream and cause bacteremia, a life-threatening condition.

How Is Campylobacter Infection Diagnosed?

The stool test is the most common test the doctor advises to detect a Campylobacter infection. The stool sample is taken to send to the laboratory to test for the presence of the bacteria. In addition, the doctor may advise a blood test if the bacteria has spread into the bloodstream in sporadic cases.

How Is Campylobacter Infection Treated?

The treatment for a campylobacter infection is generally not required, as the symptoms subside in a week. However, the healthcare provider may advise antibiotics after confirmation of campylobacter infection. Antibiotics help speed up the recovery and help eliminate the bacteria and prevent the shedding of the bacteria when the person is asymptomatic. Antibiotic medication may include Azithromycin (most common) and other options like Ciprofloxacin or Levofloxacin. Since diarrhea may lead to dehydration, the doctor may recommend the intake of loads of fluids and electrolytes for replacement.

What Are the Complications of Campylobacter Infections?

Untreated campylobacter infection may cause severe complications in a very small number of people. It includes:

• Cholecystitis or gallbladder infection.

• Arthritis.

• Guillain-Barre syndrome.

• Bacteremia.

Can Campylobacter Infection Be Prevented?

Preventive measures must be taken at all stages of the food production chain, both commercial and domestic.

Domestic Practices Include:

• Washing hands.

  • Before and after handling meat.

  • Before and after preparing food.

  • After using the toilet.

  • After cleaning up a child or changing the diapers.

  • After coughing, sneezing, or blowing the nose.

  • After touching pet animals or their poop.

  • After touching the dustbin.

• Keep raw and cooked meat separately.

• Use one cutting board for meat and other vegetables and fruits.

• Clean cutting boards, countertops, and vessels after every use.

• Cook all poultry and meat at a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Do not consume undercooked meat.

• Drink only pasteurized milk.

• Do not drink water directly from recreational sources from streams, rivers, ponds, or lakes.

• Inspect the septic tanks regularly.

• Drink only boiled or treated water.

• Check your pets regularly for Campylobacter bacteria by consulting the veterinarian.

Other Commercial Strategies Include:

• Feces and objects soiled with feces need to be disinfected before disposal in countries without a proper sewage disposal system.

• Enhance biosecurity in poultry farms to avoid spreading bacteria from the environment to the flocks on the farm.

• Abattoir workers and raw meat producers must be trained in hygienic food handling practices.

Conclusion

Campylobacter infection is a common cause of diarrheal diseases and can be contracted by consuming raw or undercooked food items. The condition is often mild but rarely can cause severe complications. It is associated with high fever, headache, abdominal pain, etc. Fortunately, the symptoms subside in a few days, and the person will feel better. However, the infection can be prevented by maintaining personal hygiene and a clean environment.

Introduction

Diarrheal diseases are one of the most commonly known illnesses contracted from contaminated and unsafe food, with 550 million people falling sick every year. Campylobacter is one of the primary causes of diarrheal diseases in the world. In addition, it is the most common causative agent for human gastroenteritis worldwide. They are mild infections but could be life-threatening in young children, immunocompromised, and older adults.

What Is Campylobacter Infection?

Campylobacter infection or campylobacteriosis is contracted by consuming food and water contaminated by the Campylobacter bacteria. It is a diarrheal disease and is also called food poisoning. If they take in enough bacteria, one may present diarrhea, fever, cramps, and vomiting symptoms. According to studies, 20 people out of 100,000 are diagnosed with campylobacter infection annually.

What Causes Campylobacter Infection?

Campylobacter infection is contracted when a person consumes food or drink contaminated with Campylobacter bacteria. Campylobacter usually lives in the digestive system of poultry and cattle. Hence, consuming raw or undercooked meat can also lead to infection. The everyday food items that may become contaminated by campylobacter include:

• Poultry.

• Unpasteurized dairy products.

• Seafood.

• Untreated water.

• Produce.

Once the bacteria enters the individual's body, it infects and attacks the lining of the small and large intestines. It may also affect other body parts, especially in young children or people with chronic illnesses. They may get into the bloodstream and cause bacteremia.

How Is Campylobacter Infection Spread?

• The Campylobacter bacteria usually live in the digestive system of poultry and cattle. Therefore, these animals may sometimes show no symptoms of the infection. However, when people consume this animal meat raw or undercooked or unpasteurized dairy products, they may contract the disease. It can also spread when contaminated and uncontaminated meat are stored together.

• Animal wastes may contaminate lakes and streams; when people drink untreated water, they may get infected. This contaminated water can even spread bacteria to fruits and vegetables when one washes them. Fruits and vegetables can also get Campylobacter bacteria from the soil contaminated with the infected animal's feces. One may also get infected by accidentally touching the feces of an infected animal.

• Household pets like cats and dogs that are infected can also spread the infection. The infection may also spread from person to person if one accidentally touches the infected person's feces.

Who Are at the Risk of Contracting Campylobacter Infections?

• Young children, especially those below the age of one, are more likely to contract the disease.

• Immunocompromised people, including people receiving chemotherapy, having AIDS (Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), or with blood disorders.

• Older adults with weak immunity.

• People stay in unsanitary conditions.

• Travelers that drink water from recreational sources.

• People who handle infected animals, like veterinarians.

• Pet store workers.

• People who have pets, such as dogs and cats, are infected.

• Poultry and cattle farm workers.

What Are the Symptoms of Campylobacter Infection?

The symptoms of a Campylobacter infection appear one to seven days after contracting the bacteria. However, the symptoms may last up to 10 days. The symptoms may include:

• Diarrhea may sometimes contain blood.

• High fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or more.

• Headache.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Stomach cramps.

• Pain in the gut and rectum.

• Dark-colored urine.

• Dry mouth.

• Dry skin.

• Dizziness.

In people receiving chemotherapy, having AIDS, or with blood disorders, the Campylobacter bacteria may spread to the bloodstream and cause bacteremia, a life-threatening condition.

How Is Campylobacter Infection Diagnosed?

The stool test is the most common test the doctor advises to detect a Campylobacter infection. The stool sample is taken to send to the laboratory to test for the presence of the bacteria. In addition, the doctor may advise a blood test if the bacteria has spread into the bloodstream in sporadic cases.

How Is Campylobacter Infection Treated?

The treatment for a campylobacter infection is generally not required, as the symptoms subside in a week. However, the healthcare provider may advise antibiotics after confirmation of campylobacter infection. Antibiotics help speed up the recovery and help eliminate the bacteria and prevent the shedding of the bacteria when the person is asymptomatic. Antibiotic medication may include Azithromycin (most common) and other options like Ciprofloxacin or Levofloxacin. Since diarrhea may lead to dehydration, the doctor may recommend the intake of loads of fluids and electrolytes for replacement.

What Are the Complications of Campylobacter Infections?

Untreated campylobacter infection may cause severe complications in a very small number of people. It includes:

• Cholecystitis or gallbladder infection.

• Arthritis.

• Guillain-Barre syndrome.

• Bacteremia.

Can Campylobacter Infection Be Prevented?

Preventive measures must be taken at all stages of the food production chain, both commercial and domestic.

Domestic Practices Include:

• Washing hands.

  • Before and after handling meat.

  • Before and after preparing food.

  • After using the toilet.

  • After cleaning up a child or changing the diapers.

  • After coughing, sneezing, or blowing the nose.

  • After touching pet animals or their poop.

  • After touching the dustbin.

• Keep raw and cooked meat separately.

• Use one cutting board for meat and other vegetables and fruits.

• Clean cutting boards, countertops, and vessels after every use.

• Cook all poultry and meat at a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Do not consume undercooked meat.

• Drink only pasteurized milk.

• Do not drink water directly from recreational sources from streams, rivers, ponds, or lakes.

• Inspect the septic tanks regularly.

• Drink only boiled or treated water.

• Check your pets regularly for Campylobacter bacteria by consulting the veterinarian.

Other Commercial Strategies Include:

• Feces and objects soiled with feces need to be disinfected before disposal in countries without a proper sewage disposal system.

• Enhance biosecurity in poultry farms to avoid spreading bacteria from the environment to the flocks on the farm.

• Abattoir workers and raw meat producers must be trained in hygienic food handling practices.

Conclusion

Campylobacter infection is a common cause of diarrheal diseases and can be contracted by consuming raw or undercooked food items. The condition is often mild but rarely can cause severe complications. It is associated with high fever, headache, abdominal pain, etc. Fortunately, the symptoms subside in a few days, and the person will feel better. However, the infection can be prevented by maintaining personal hygiene and a clean environment.