Effective Ways to Diagnose and Treat a Campylobacter Infection

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1Background

2Causes

3Symptoms

4Treatment

5Prognosis

6Additional Info

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Tips and Warnings

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Campylobacter can cause an uncomfortable diarrhoeal disease called campylobacteriosis. Healthy adults can usually beat it in less than a week, but it can be dangerous for very young children and elderly people. We've compiled all the info you need to know if you're dealing with campylobacter.

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Question 1 of 6:

Background

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   Campylobacter infection is a common diarrheal disease. In fact, it’s considered to be the most common bacterial cause of human gastroenteritis in the world. Campylobacter is a genus with 17 species and 6 subspecies, so it’s a big family of bacteria that can cause diarrhea in humans. The good news is that the infection is rarely fatal and usually clears up in 3-6 days.
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   It’s common in food animals like poultry, cattle, and pigs. Campylobacter species are actually found in most warm-blooded animals, but there can more of the bacteria in certain animals that we like to eat as food. Apart from chickens, cows, and pigs, the bacteria can also be found in sheep, ostriches, and even pets like cats and dogs. They’ve also been found in shellfish.
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Question 2 of 6:

Causes

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   Raw or undercooked meat and dairy are the main culprits. Campylobacteriosis is a zoonosis, which means people get it from animals or animal products. Campylobacter can contaminate meat that comes into contact with feces during the slaughtering process. And if you don’t fully cook or sterilize contaminated meat or milk, you could be exposed to the bacteria when you consume it.
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   Contaminated water or ice can also be a source. If Campylobacter is present in water that you drink, it could lead to an infection. Even if it’s frozen in ice! Basically, if you consume the bacteria, you could develop an infection.

   • Campylobacter infections usually have an incubation period between 1–7 days, but on average, it takes about 3 days. Think about if you were exposed up to 1 week before you have symptoms.
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Question 3 of 6:

Symptoms

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   Diarrhea is the main symptom. Abdominal pain and frequent diarrhea are usually the main, if not the only symptoms of a Campylobacter infection. It’s also common to have bloody diarrhea, but let your doctor know if you do notice blood in your stool.
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   You can also have fever, headache, and nausea. In addition to diarrhea, some people may have additional symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, which can lead to greater fluid loss. You can also have a fever or a headache until the infection clears up.
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   Sometimes you can have more serious complications. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), temporary paralysis, and arthritis can occur in rare instances. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact a doctor as soon as possible.
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   Keep an eye out for dehydration symptoms. Frequent diarrhea and/or vomiting can cause you to lose a lot of fluids and potentially lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous. Watch out for dark yellow and strong-smelling pee, dizziness or lightheadedness, feeling tired, dry mouth, lips, and eyes. Additionally, if you’re peeing very little and fewer than 4 times a day, it could be a sign of dehydration. Get to a doctor if you think you’re dehydrated so they can treat you for it.
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Question 4 of 6:

Treatment

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   Fluids and electrolytes are the main treatment. Diarrhea can cause you to lose a lot of fluids and potentially cause dehydration. There isn’t really any specific treatment for a Campylobacter infection. You’ll need to drink extra fluids for as long as your diarrhea lasts. Your doctor may also recommend that you drink fluids with electrolytes such as a sports drink or Pedialyte to help make sure you’re properly hydrated.

   • If you become dangerously dehydrated, your doctor may give you IV fluids to help restore your fluid levels.
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   Follow the BRAT diet to help settle your stomach. Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT) are low in fiber and can help make your stool firmer. They’re also packed with nutrients that your body has lost because of diarrhea. Choose these simple foods to help get through your bout of diarrhea.
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   Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if it’s caught early enough. Common antibiotics like azithromycin, erythromycin, and ciprofloxacin may be able to knock out the infection before it really takes hold. But they’re only effective if you catch it in the first 2-3 days. So if you think you may have been exposed to Campylobacter, see a doctor so they can diagnose and treat you for it.

   • Campylobacter infections have a low resistance to azithromycin and erythromycin, except in areas like Thailand and Ireland.
   • Your doctor and run lab tests or use a rapid diagnostic test to detect the genetic material of the bacteria and diagnose you.
   • Don’t take antibiotics unless they’re prescribed by a doctor.
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Question 5 of 6:

Prognosis

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   Infections are generally mild but can be dangerous for some people. For healthy adults, as long as you drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration, you should be able to kick a Campylobacter infection in 2-5 days. However, the infection can be life-threatening for very young children, elderly people, and folks who may be immunosuppressed. Seek medical treatment and take any medications or treatments your doctor provides to help your body fight off the infection.

   • Campylobacter infections can be dangerous for pregnant women as well.
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   See your doctor if you have blood in your stool. One of the common symptoms that can distinguish campylobacteriosis from other stomach bugs is the presence of blood in your stool. Your doctor can test your stool to see if you have it or if there’s another more serious cause for the blood. You may not need any medications for treatment, but a diagnosis can help rule out any other potential causes.

   • If you have late-onset reactive arthritis or Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), you may have a negative stool study. Your doctor will likely order serological tests to detect Campylobacter.
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Question 6 of 6:

Additional Info

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   You can help prevent an infection with proper food hygiene. Make sure your food is properly cooked and still hot when it’s served. Avoid raw milk and products made with raw milk if you can. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap, especially after you have contact with any pets or farm animals as well as after using the bathroom.

   • Make sure you wash any fruits and vegetables carefully, especially if you plan to eat them raw.
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   Wash your hands after using the bathroom. Campylobacter can only be spread through contact with contaminated feces. So if you have it, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly every time you go to the bathroom so you don’t potentially spread it.
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   Make sure any water you drink is safe. If you’re in a country without adequate sewage disposal systems, or if you’re unsure about the quality of the drinking water, boil the water before you use it. If you can’t boil it, use a slow-release disinfectant agent made to purify water, which you can find at a local pharmacy.

   • That includes ice, too! Avoid ice unless it’s made from safe water.
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Tips

• Stick to bottled water if the local drinking water is questionable.
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Warnings

• Campylobacter infections can be dangerous for very young or very old people, as well as people with compromised immune systems.
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