Campylobacter: Symptoms, Duration & Therapy

Quick overview: Frequently asked questions and answers

What is Campylobacter? Campylobacter is a genus of bacteria that commonly causes diarrhea in humans.

How is Campylobacter transmitted? Transmission occurs mainly through consumption of infected poultry meat, raw milk or contaminated water. Transmission from person to person is also possible.

What symptoms does Campylobacter cause? Typical symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea, which can be very watery and sometimes bloody.

What are the long-term effects of Campylobacter? In very rare cases, late effects of a Campylobacter infection can manifest themselves as inflammatory joint disease (reactive arthritis) or as serious nerve disease (Guillain-Barré syndrome).

At a glance:

What is Campylobacter?

Campylobacter is a genus of bacteria that is widespread throughout the world. The bacteria occur naturally in the intestinal flora of many animals, especially livestock (especially poultry), wild animals and pets.

Animals do not normally experience any symptoms due to the bacteria. However, if a human becomes infected, this leads to symptoms such as diarrhea. Experts also call the disease campylobacteriosis or campylobacter enteritis.

There are over 20 species of bacteria. Three of these species are predominantly found in humans:

• Campylobacter jejuni
• Campylobacter coli
• Campylobacter lari

According to the Infection Protection Act (IfSG), direct detection of pathogens is reportable.

frequency

With around 70,000 reported cases per year, it is the most common bacterial diarrheal disease in Germany – even ahead of salmonella infection.

The disease rate is highest in the summer months. Children under 5 years of age and adults aged 20 to 29 are particularly likely to become ill.

Symptoms and course of Campylobacter enteritis

If an infection with Campylobacter occurs, the typical symptoms usually appear two to five days later. The disease usually begins with

Shortly afterwards, severe, colicky abdominal pain and cramps as well as nausea and diarrhea occur.

The diarrhea is severe (up to 20 trips to the toilet per day), very watery and sometimes greenish. Bloody stools can also occur. The gastrointestinal complaints usually last for a week.

Sometimes the intestinal flora needs longer to recover. The result is digestive problems that last for weeks.

However, the infection can also take a completely atypical course. Sometimes the disease is not even noticed. However, the infected person can still infect other people.

Late effects of a Campylobacter infection

Complications and long-term effects are rare after an infection, but they do occur. These include:

The cause of the long-term effects are specific antibodies that are formed during the infection and can also be directed against the nerve cells in the body.

Causes of infection with Campylobacter

Campylobacter infections in humans are mainly transmitted through contaminated food. The main source of infection is raw or undercooked poultry meat and poultry products, except eggs.

Other possible sources of infection are:

• unpasteurized milk (raw milk, raw milk cheese)
• raw minced meat
• contaminated drinking water
• Pets (especially puppies and cats suffering from diarrhea)

Direct transmission from person to person is also possible.

In addition, infection can occur through bathing in lakes if there is sufficient bacterial contamination in the water.

The time between infection and the onset of the disease (incubation period) is usually 2 to 5 days, in some cases 1 to 10 days.

Therapy: How is Campylobacter treated?

As with other diarrheal diseases, the symptoms usually subside without treatment after about 7 to 10 days at the latest.

It is important to drink enough fluids in the form of water, tea and broth to compensate for fluid loss.

When is medical help necessary?

Medical advice should be sought if:

• the fluid loss cannot be compensated
• the symptoms are very severe

The doctor can prescribe fever-reducing medication, painkillers and, if necessary, anti-dehydration medication such as electrolytes. In severe cases, infusions are necessary to counteract fluid loss.

In rare cases, an antibiotic may be used. Antidiarrheal medications available over the counter at the pharmacy should not be taken without consulting a doctor.

How long are Campylobacter bacteria contagious?

As long as those affected excrete the pathogen in their stool, they are contagious. On average, this time is 2 to 4 weeks. Sick people are usually still infectious even after the symptoms have subsided.

Immunocompromised people, such as HIV patients, remain contagious for much longer because Campylobacter can remain in the stool for months.

Diagnosis of Campylobacter infection

First, the current symptoms are asked about (anamnesis). It is also of interest whether certain foods have been consumed that suggest an infection. The bacteria are identified using a stool sample and the diagnosis is confirmed in this way.

Campylobacter: How to prevent infection

Good hygiene prevents infection with Campylobacter. The bacteria survive low temperatures and can therefore still be found on the meat, in the thawing water and on kitchen utensils even after meat and poultry products have been thawed.

Infected people are also contagious and, if hygiene is poor, can spread the bacteria further through contact infection via hands, door handles, etc. Therefore, careful hygiene is absolutely necessary.

1. Kitchen hygiene

• After preparing meat – especially poultry – all kitchen utensils used, such as boards, knives, work surfaces, etc., should be washed immediately and thoroughly with hot water and nothing else should come into contact with them.

• Always cook minced meat and poultry thoroughly.

• Wash towels and dishcloths regularly at 60°C. Change dishwashing brushes and sponges regularly or wash them with hot water.

• Raw meat and poultry should never be washed under the tap because the germs can spread further through the splashing water.

2. Hand hygiene

• Wash your hands after every visit to the toilet (or after changing a sick child), before eating and after every contact with raw meat. Dry your hands thoroughly with a clean towel. Women should wash their hands thoroughly before breastfeeding.

• Sick people should have their own towel and washcloth in the bathroom, which should also be washed regularly at 60°C.

Parents must inform institutions such as daycare centers or schools that an infection exists and leave the child at home.

People who work with food are not allowed to go to work if they have the notifiable disease in order to prevent further spread.