Campylobacter

Campylobacter organisms are spiral-shaped bacteria that can cause disease in humans and animals. The name means “curved rod,” deriving from the Greek campylos (curved) and baktron (rod). There are 17 species and 6 subspecies of the genus Campylobacter. Most human illness is caused by one species, called Campylobacter jejuni, but human illness can also be caused by other species . Campylobacter jejuni is a gram-negative bacteria that grows best at 42°C (107°F) and low oxygen concentrations. Campylobacter is one of the most common causes of diarrheal illness in the United States. Most cases occur as isolated, sporadic events, not as part of recognized outbreak. Symptoms of food poisoning from Campylobacter usually occur 2 to 5 days after a person eats contaminated food, but may take up to 10 days to appear. Two age groups are most commonly affected by Campylobacter are children under 5 years of age and young adults aged 15-29.

Most cases of campylobacteriosis are associated with eating raw or undercooked poultry meat or from cross-contamination of other foods by these items. Outbreaks of Campylobacter have most often been associated with unpasteurized dairy products, contaminated water, poultry, and produce. Animals can also be infected, and some people get infected from contact with the stool of an ill dog or cat. The organism is not usually spread from one person to another, but this can happen if the infected person is producing a large volume of diarrhea. Campylobacter species can be killed by heat and thoroughly cooking food.

Symptoms

Diarrhea: Diarrhea ranges from mild to severe and is often bloody
Fever
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Headache
Muscle pain

Prevention

Choose the coolest part of the car to transport meat and poultry home from the store
Defrost meat and poultry in the refrigerator or microwave, making sure juices do not drip
Never leave food out at room temperature for over two hours
Use pasteurized milk and eggs
Wash fruits and vegetables carefully

Wash hands thoroughly after…