Campylobacter Infection: The Leading Bacterial Cause of Diarrheal Illness

Campylobacter bacteria are a common cause of diarrheal illness, called campylobacteriosis. In the United States they cause more bacterial diarrheal illnesses than any other bacteria.

A three-dimensional computer-generated image of Campylobacter bacteria (CDC).

Fast facts

• Many infections are never diagnosed or reported.
• Most are not part of a recognized outbreak.
• Infections are more common in summer than in winter.

Symptoms

Diarrhea, fever and cramps. Most people recover fully within 7 days.

Who is at higher risk

Anyone can be infected, but some people are more likely to get sick or seriously ill:

• children younger than 5;
• adults 65 and older;
• people with weakened immune systems;
• people who work with animals;
• international travelers.

How people get infected

It takes very few bacteria to cause illness — a single drop of juice from raw chicken can be enough. Common routes include:

• eating raw or undercooked poultry — the most common source — or other contaminated foods, including seafood, meat and produce;
• preparing salads, fruit and other raw or lightly cooked foods with knives or cutting boards used for raw poultry, seafood or meat;
• touching animals, their food, water or feces, or their belongings and living spaces, such as toys, bowls, beds, cages, tanks, coops, stalls and barns;
• drinking untreated water.

Many animals, including pets, carry Campylobacter in their intestines, liver and other organs without getting sick, and can pass it to people.

Past outbreaks have been traced to poultry, raw (unpasteurized) milk and dairy products, seafood, untreated water, produce and pet store puppies.

Prevention

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Take care when preparing raw meat.
• Drink only treated water and pasteurized milk.
• Be mindful when playing with or caring for pets.

Diagnosis and treatment

A laboratory test confirms the infection and helps guide treatment. Most people get better without antibiotics. Anyone with diarrhea should drink extra fluids to prevent dehydration.

Sources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "About Campylobacter infection"; a work of the United States government in the public domain. The page gives the yearly number of U.S. illnesses as 1.5 million in one place and nearly 1.9 million in another, so no single figure is stated here.