Campylobacter Infection
Campylobacter is a bacterial intestinal infection commonly linked to contaminated food, water, or contact with infected animals.
About campylobacter infection
Campylobacter is a bacterial intestinal infection commonly linked to contaminated food, water, or contact with infected animals.
What can cause it?
Campylobacter infection usually follows undercooked poultry, unpasteurized milk, contaminated water, cross-contaminated food, or contact with infected animals.
The bacteria inflame the intestines and can occasionally lead to bloodstream, joint, or nerve complications.
What a patient may notice
Symptoms vary from person to person. Possible signs may include:
- Diarrhea that may be bloody
- Abdominal cramps and fever
- Nausea, vomiting, or dehydration
How clinicians find the cause
A stool test can identify Campylobacter, especially with bloody diarrhea, severe illness, travel, outbreak exposure, or symptoms lasting longer than expected. Blood tests may assess dehydration or complications.
Treatment and next steps
- 1
Fluids and electrolyte replacement are the main treatment for most people.
- 2
Antibiotics are reserved for severe disease or patients at higher risk and should be selected by a clinician.
- 3
Anti-diarrheal medicine may be unsafe with bloody stool or fever unless specifically advised.
Supporting recovery
- Use frequent small sips of oral rehydration fluid and monitor urination.
- Wash hands carefully and avoid preparing food for others while ill.
What to expect
Most people recover within about one week with fluids and supportive care. Recovery may take longer when diarrhea is severe or dehydration develops. People with weakened immune systems have a greater risk of the infection spreading beyond the intestines.
Possible complications
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance from ongoing diarrhea or vomiting
- Reactive arthritis after the intestinal infection
- Rare nerve injury called Guillain-Barré syndrome or infection spreading to the bloodstream and other organs
When to Contact a Medical Professional
A same-day medical evaluation is recommended, especially when symptoms are severe, worsening, or accompanied by fever, vomiting, weakness, or significant pain.
Urgent care is needed for severe dehydration, fainting, confusion, persistent bloody stool, severe abdominal pain, or inability to keep fluids down.Get emergency help for severe trouble breathing, new chest pressure, fainting, seizure, sudden weakness on one side, uncontrolled bleeding, blue or gray lips, or a person who is difficult to wake.
Ways to lower risk
- Cook poultry thoroughly, avoid unpasteurized products, prevent kitchen cross-contamination, and use safe water.
- Wash hands after handling animals.
Trusted health information
This CHS patient-education page uses original wording and links to MedlinePlus for additional information.