Campylobacter

A pathogen that invades the lining of the small intestine. C. jejuni is the most commonly-isolated species.

Typical Symptoms

• Fever
• Severe abdominal cramps
• Bloody diarrhea

Most at risk

• Young children
• The elderly
• The immunocompromised

How is it spread?

• Contaminated food typically undercooked poultry or water
• Occasionally through person-to-person contact
• Examples:
  • If infected person does not wash his/her hands properly after using the toilet, can be passed along by physical contact or by handling food
  • If contaminated water (through human or animal feces) touches food at any stage (irrigation, washing, rinsing, etc.), contamination can also occur