Campylobacteriosis is one of the most common causes of foodborne bacterial enteritis worldwide. Campylobacter species are curved gram-negative bacilli. At least 11 species of Campylobacter are considered pathogenic to humans, with Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli being the most common. Campylobacteriosis is a zoonosis, the natural reservoir being the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of livestock, birds, dogs, cats, rodents, and even household pets. Transmission to humans occurs by ingestion of contaminated food or water, including unpasteurized milk and undercooked meat, or by direct contact with fecal material from infected animals or persons. Infection with Campylobacter can be asymptomatic, cause acute enteritis or colitis, or cause bacteremia with seeding of distant organs.
Surveillance studies estimate that 1.3 million symptomatic enteric Campylobacter infections occur in the United States annually (14 cases per 100 000 persons). The vast majority of cases go undiagnosed or unreported and occur as isolated, sporadic events, not as part of recognized outbreaks. Death is uncommon, occurring in only 0.2% of reported cases. The organism is isolated more frequently from males than females. No clear racial predominance is evident. Campylobacteriosis is a global disease with a higher incidence in developing countries, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.
After an incubation period of 3 days (range 1-7 days), infection is established, usually in the jejunum and ileum and occasionally the colon. The mucosal inflammatory changes are indistinguishable from those seen in salmonellosis and shigellosis. The clinical manifestations are of variable severity and include abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Patients may initially have a prodrome of high fever, rigors, generalized aches, and dizziness lasting for 1-2 days prior to the GI symptoms. Abdominal pain can be relatively severe compared with other bacterial enteritides. It is usually colicky and peri-umbilical; however, it may become sharper and radiate to right lower quadrant, mimicking acute appendicitis. Diarrhea can be profuse, frequent (more than 10 stools per day), and mixed with frank blood. Acute enteritis is often self-limiting and subsides within several days. Acute colitis may result in diarrhea lasting for a week or longer. Mild weight loss (less than 5 kg [11 lbs]) during this period of time is not uncommon. If bacteremia occurs, it is usually transient and is seldom detected (1.5 per 1000 cases).
Several conditions can increase risk for Campylobacter bacteremia, including HIV infection, other causes of immunodeficiency, malignancy, diabetes, alcohol use disorder, pregnancy, and extremes of age.
Pediatric patient considerations: Campylobacter fetus and occasionally Cjejuni are associated with perinatal infection. Amnionitis may develop due to bacteremia or by ascending infection. Premature labor, stillbirth, and septic abortion have been reported. Infants may develop sepsis, respiratory distress, diarrhea, vomiting, jaundice, and convulsions. Meningitis is a serious complication with increased morbidity and mortality.
In developed countries, incidence is highest in children younger than 1 year and in those aged 15-30 years. In developing countries, disease mainly occurs in children younger than 5 years.
Immunocompromised patient considerations: Immunocompromised patients may have a prolonged course of the infection and may have recurrent diarrhea. The risks for bacteremia, extra-intestinal complications, and development of antibiotic-resistant strains are increased.
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis) – Patients may present with acute diarrhea and abdominal pain. Histologic examination of colonic mucosa in Campylobacter colitis shows acute inflammation without the chronic changes seen in inflammatory bowel disease.
Appendicitis – Abdominal pain may mimic acute appendicitis and may appear prior to diarrhea; in such cases, the clinical examination may show tenderness, but usually rebound tenderness and guarding are absent.
Mesenteric ischemia – Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea with or without blood can occur. Fever is usually absent. Lactic acidosis may be noted. Angiography can identify ischemia.
Colonic ischemia – Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever may occur; nausea and vomiting are less common. Imaging may reveal colitis of the "watershed" areas of the colon (transverse portion and splenic flexure).
Campylobacter infection (campylobacteriosis) is a bacterial infection of the intestines. It is most commonly caused by Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli. The bacteria are transferred from infected animals to people by drinking or eating contaminated food or water, or by contact with infected fecal matter. Campylobacteriosis is a global disease, but it is more common in developing countries in tropical or subtropical areas.
Who’s At Risk
Campylobacteriosis is usually a foodborne illness. Consuming unpasteurized milk, undercooked meat, or contaminated food or water allows for transmission of the infection to humans. In addition, contact with fecal matter from infected animals or humans increases the risk of infection.
Risk for contracting campylobacteriosis is increased in individuals with HIV infection, immunodeficiency, cancer, diabetes, and alcohol use disorder. It is also more common in pregnant individuals and in very young or elderly individuals.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms include:
Fever
Dizziness
Headache
Muscle pain
Nausea
Painful abdominal cramping
Watery or bloody diarrhea
The fever, aches, and dizziness usually occur 3 days after infection. Abdominal pain and diarrhea follow about 1-2 days after the first symptoms.
Self-Care Guidelines
Measures can be taken to manage symptoms and avoid dehydration:
Drink extra fluids with electrolytes, such as Gatorade or Pedialyte, to stay hydrated, especially after diarrhea
Consume salty foods
Eat small meals throughout the day rather than three large meals
To prevent infection while in the tropics:
Wash hands frequently
Thoroughly cook meat and poultry products
Use separate cutting boards for meat products and ready-to-eat foods
Do not drink untreated water or unpasteurized milk
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical care if you experience any of the following:
You have diarrhea lasting longer than a week
You have blood or pus in your stools
You are unable to stay hydrated
You have recently traveled to a foreign country and have diarrhea
You have a fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
Treatments
The infection typically resolves on its own. If you are unable to stay hydrated, you may need a hospital stay to receive intravenous fluids.
Patient Information for Campylobacter infections