Campylobacteriosis Symptoms And Treatment

Campylobacteriosis is an intestinal infection caused by the most common Campylobacter species such as C. jejuni, C. coli, C. fetus, C. lari and C. upsaliensis. The bacteria are spiral shaped and can cause disease in animals and humans. It grows best at 37°C to 42°C and occurs much more frequently in the summer months than in the winter. The bacteria attack the lining of both the small and large intestines.

Campylobacteriosis Etiology

It is caused by contaminated food or water, particularly raw or undercooked poultry or meats, unpasteurized milk, and from direct contact with pets (especially puppies and kittens), farm animals and infected infants. The infections are usually self limiting. The illness typically lasts about one week. Infections are particularly common in young children, and in young adults from age 18 to 29.

Campylobacteriosis Symptoms & Sign

Symptoms usually appear 1 to 7 days after ingestion of the bacteria.

1. Fever
2. Crampy stomach pains
3. Diarrhoea
4. Nausea and vomiting
5. Watery stools

Campylobacteriosis Diagnosis

1. Stool Culture- Stool is collected using bedpan and placed into a sample container with an airtight lid. At the lab, smears of the stool sample are placed on sterile plastic dishes containing nutrients that encourage the growth of certain bacteria that can then be identified through dye staining, microscope analysis, and other chemical testing.
2. PCR based techniques utilizing human stool enable rapid detection or culture confirmation.
   Treatment
3. Antimicrobial treatment- Erythromycin, clarithromycin, or azithromycin are commonly used for treatment of these infections.
4. Macrolides and fluoroquinolones are commonly prescribed for campylobacteriosis; however, resistance to these and other antibiotics also occurs.
5. Rehydration therapy– Drink plenty of fluids and get rest.
6. Make sure that persons with diarrhoea, especially children, wash their hands carefully and frequently with soap to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
7. Good hygiene, particularly in kennels and livestock housing, can reduce transmission.
8. Whenever you prepare foods, wash your hands well before and after touching raw meats, especially poultry