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Most people who become ill with campylobacteriosis get diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, and fever within 2 to 5 days after exposure to the organism. The diarrhea may be bloody and can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The illness typically lasts 1 week. Some persons who are infected with Campylobacter don't have any symptoms at all. In persons with compromised immune systems, Campylobacter occasionally spreads to the bloodstream and causes a serious life-threatening infection.

Complications: Most people who get campylobacteriosis recover completely within 2 to 5 days, although sometimes recovery can take up to 10 days. Rarely, some long-term consequences can result from a Campylobacter infection. Some people may have arthritis following campylobacteriosis; others may develop a rare disease that affects the nerves of the body beginning several weeks after the diarrheal illness. This disease, called Guillain-Barré syndrome, occurs when a person's immune system is "triggered" to attack the body's own nerves, and can lead to paralysis that lasts several weeks and usually requires intensive care. It is estimated that approximately one in every 1000 reported campylobacteriosis cases leads to Guillain-Barré syndrome. As many as 40% of Guillain-Barré syndrome cases in this country may be triggered by campylobacteriosis.

Campylobacteriosis is generally spread by eating or drinking contaminated water or foods (especially undercooked poultry or pork), or by contact with infected animals. Many animals including swine, cattle, dogs, and birds (particularly poultry) carry the bacteria in their intestines. These sources in turn may contaminate meat products (particularly poultry), water supplies, and milk. A very small number of Campylobacter organisms (fewer than 500) can cause illness in humans. Even one drop of juice from raw chicken meat can infect a personPerson to person spread is uncommon

Diagnosis

Many different kinds of infections can cause diarrhea and bloody diarrhea. Doctors can look for bacterial causes of diarrhea by asking a laboratory to culture a sample of stool from an ill person. Diagnosis of Campylobacter requires special laboratory culture procedures, which doctors may need to specifically request.

Virtually all persons infected with Campylobacter will recover without any specific treatment. Patients should drink plenty of fluids as long as the diarrhea lasts. In more severe cases, antibiotics such as erythromycin or a fluoroquinolone can be used, and can shorten the duration of symptoms if they are given early in the illness. Your doctor will make the decision about whether antibiotics are necessary.

Always treat raw poultry, beef, and pork as if they are potentially contaminated; handle these food items accordingly: Wrap fresh meat in plastic bags at the market to prevent blood from dripping on other foods. Refrigerate foods promptly; minimize holding at room temperature. Cutting boards and counters used for preparation should be washed immediately after use to prevent cross contamination with other foods. Avoid eating raw or undercooked meats. Ensure that the correct internal cooking temperature is reached, particularly when using a microwave. Encourage careful hand washing before and after food preparation, and after using the toilet or changing diapers. Avoid using raw milk. Make sure children, particularly those who handle pets, wash their hands carefully after handling the pets.