Campylobacteriosis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Campylobacteriosis Definition

Campylobacteriosis refers to infection by the group of bacteria known as Campylobacter. It is a bacterium that typically infects the bowels. Campylobacter are often found in the intestine of animals raised for food produce and pets. Campylobacter occasionally spreads to the bloodstream and causes a serious life-threatening infection.

The campylobacteriosis case document contains the case definitions for Campylobacteriosis. Campylobacter occasionally spreads to the bloodstream.

Campylobacteriosis Causes

Campylobacter is one of the most common bacterial causes of diarrheal illness in the United States. Campylobacteriosis causes a serious life-threatening infection. Campylobacteriosis may be caused by Campylobacter jejuni. It is most often spread by contact with raw or undercooked poultry. Untreated water and raw milk are also potential sources.

The Campylobacter organism is actually a group of spiral-shaped bacteria that can cause disease in humans and animals. It may be characterized by diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and occasionally other gastrointestinal. Campylobacter bacteria live in the intestines of healthy birds, and raw poultry meat.

Campylobacteriosis Symptoms

Some campylobacteriosis cases are without symptoms. Although the infection may not produce symptoms

The symptoms of campylobacteriosis may include:

• bloody diarrhea
• abdominal pain
• cramping
• fever
• nausea
• vomiting.

Campylobacteriosis Treatments

Usually all persons infected with Campylobaeter recover without any specific treatment.

some people need extra fluids to prevent dehydration (drying up of bodily fluids).

Sometimes an antibiotic is prescribed in severe cases of illness. Patients should drink plenty of fluids as long as the diarrhea lasts. Antibiotics are occasionally used to treat severe cases or to shorten the carrier phase, which may be important for food handlers, children in day care, and health care workers.