Campylobacter
bacteria, usually transmitted in contaminated food or water, can
infect the gastrointestinal tract and cause diarrhea, fever, and
cramps. Practicing good
hand-washing
and
food safety
habits will help prevent
Campylobacter
infections (or campylobacteriosis), which usually clear up on
their own but sometimes are treated with antibiotics.
Campylobacter
infects over 2 million people each year, and it's a leading
cause of diarrhea and food-borne illness. Babies under 1 year old,
teens, and young adults are most commonly affected.
Causes
Campylobacter
is found in the intestines of many wild and domestic animals.
The bacteria are passed in their feces, which can lead to infection
in humans via contaminated food, meats (especially chicken), water
taken from contaminated sources (streams or rivers near where
animals graze), and milk products that haven't been
pasteurized.
Bacteria can be transmitted from person to person when someone
comes into contact with fecal matter from an infected person,
especially a child in diapers. Household pets can carry and
transmit the bacteria to their owners.
Once inside the human digestive system,
Campylobacter
infects and attacks the lining of both the small and large
intestines. The bacteria can also affect other parts of the
body. In some cases - particularly in very young patients and those
with chronic illnesses or a weak immune system - the bacteria can
get into the bloodstream, causing bacteremia. In rare cases,
campylobacteriosis can lead to Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare
autoimmune disorder.
Symptoms
Symptoms generally appear 1 to 7 days after ingestion of the
bacteria. The main symptoms of campylobacteriosis are
fever
, abdominal cramps, and mild to severe
diarrhea
. Diarrhea can lead to
dehydration
, which should be closely monitored. Signs of dehydration include:
thirst, irritability, restlessness, lethargy, sunken eyes, dry
mouth and tongue, dry skin, fewer trips to the bathroom to urinate,
and (in infants) a dry diaper for several hours.
In cases of campylobacteriosis, the diarrhea is initially
watery, but it may later contain blood and mucus. Sometimes, the
abdominal pain appears to be a more significant symptom than the
diarrhea. When this happens, the infection may be mistaken for
appendicitis or a problem with the pancreas.
Prevention
You can prevent campylobacteriosis by using drinking water
that's been tested and approved for purity, especially in
developing countries, and by drinking milk that's been
pasteurized. While hiking and camping, avoid drinking water from
streams and from sources that pass through land where animals
graze.
Kill any bacteria in meats by cooking these foods thoroughly and
eating while still warm. Whenever you prepare foods, wash your
hands well before and after touching raw meats, especially poultry.
Clean cutting boards, countertops, and utensils with soap and hot
water after contact with raw meat.
As you care for a family member who has diarrhea, remember to
wash your hands before touching other people in your household and
before handling foods. Clean and disinfect toilets after
they're used by the person with diarrhea. Also, if a pet dog or
cat has diarrhea, wash your hands frequently and check with your
veterinarian about treatment.
Diagnosis
Your doctor may send a stool sample to the lab to be tested for
Campylobacter
bacteria. Other lab tests may also be needed, especially if your
child has blood in the stool.
Treatment
Most kids with campylobacteriosis will recover without
medication. Occasionally, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic,
especially if the child is very young or the symptoms are severe or
persistent. If your child receives an antibiotic, give it on
schedule for as long as the doctor has ordered. Also, do not give
nonprescription medicines for diarrhea without first checking with
your doctor.
After being checked by a doctor, most kids with
Campylobacter
infections are treated at home, especially if they show no signs of
being seriously dehydrated. They should drink plenty of fluids as
long as the diarrhea lasts and be monitored for signs of
dehydration.
Kids with mild diarrhea and no dehydration should continue to
eat normally and increase their fluid intake - but fruit
juices and soft drinks can worsen diarrhea and should be avoided.
If your child is dehydrated, your doctor may recommend using an
oral rehydration solution. Babies with campylobacteriosis who are
breastfed should continue to be breastfed throughout the
illness.
Diarrhea usually stops within 2 to 5 days. Full recovery usually
takes about 1 week. In about 20% of cases, diarrhea can last longer
or recur.
When to Call the Doctor
If your child has bloody or black, tar-like bowel movements
or seems dehydrated, call your doctor immediately.
Reviewed by:
Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date reviewed: September 2006
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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