About this topic
Campylobacter is an infection that affects the bowels. It may cause swelling of the bowels and loose stools. The lining of the bowels may also break down and cause bleeding. You often get this infection by eating or drinking food that is contaminated with animal stool. It is also passed on by: ‚
- Eating raw or undercooked poultry
- Drinking raw or fresh milk
- Eating or drinking food or water that has the germ in it
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What are the causes?
This infection is caused by the Campylobacter germ. It is often found in the bowels of animals. They pass the germs on to humans through meat or other foods that are contaminated. Water can also have the germ in it. So can milk that has not been processed. You can also get this infection from another person. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
Young children and older people are more likely to get this illness. So are people with a weak immune system. Your risk is higher if you eat poultry that has not been cooked the right way. Drinking water that comes from streams or rivers near where animals graze is more likely to have the germ in it. ‚
What are the main signs?
Signs are often seen 2 to 5 days after exposure to the infection. These include: ‚
- Loose stools
- Belly pain or cramps
- Fever
- Upset stomach and throwing up
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor may feel your belly for enlarged organs. The doctor may order: ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
There is no special treatment for this infection. Most people get better on their own. The doctor will likely suggest that you drink 8 to 10 glasses of safe water each day. This will help to prevent fluid loss. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
Sometimes, the doctor will give drugs to treat this illness. ‚
Will there be any other care needed?
Do not take drugs to stop the loose stools or throwing up. These actions help clear the bacteria from your system. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Too much fluid loss
- Spread of infection into the bloodstream
- Swelling of tissue around the brain
- Kidney problems
- Low platelet count
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Practice proper sanitation and disposal of stool.
- Wear proper protective clothing when working with soil. Wear hand gloves or shoes when farming or exposed to soil. Wash hands often.
- Be careful when swimming.
- Avoid swallowing water while swimming, boating, or doing recreational water activities.
- Protect others by not swimming when you or your child has loose stools. Do not swim for at least 2 weeks after loose stools stop.
- Change diapers in a bathroom, not at poolside.
- Be careful when eating.
- Choose foods that are freshly cooked and served very hot.
- Do not eat food from street vendors.
- Prevent cross contamination. Always handle raw poultry, beef, and pork as if they are contaminated.
- Wrap fresh meats in plastic bags at the store to prevent blood from dripping on other foods.
- Wash kitchen utensils after they are exposed to raw poultry meat.
- Use different containers or cutting boards for dry and wet foods.
- Do not put cooked meat on the same plate that was used when it was still raw.
- If you suspect that your drinking water may be contaminated, let it boil at more than 140 ‚ °F (60 ‚ °C) for at least 30 minutes.
- Avoid eating or drinking unpasteurized milk and dairy products.
- Follow good hygiene habits
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill germs. This is especially important:
- After using the bathroom or changing diapers
- Before eating
- Before cooking
- After working in dirt
- Teach children to keep their hands out of their mouth.
- Keep sick children away from daycare. This will prevent spreading the infection to others.
- Wear a condom when having anal sex.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/campylobacter/ ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/stomach/campylobacter.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚