What is a Campylobacter Infection? | Know here

What is Camplyobacter infection? 

Have you ever heard of any such type of infection. Come on! lets know about this condition in detail. Stay tuned!

Campylobacter infection, also known as Campylobacteriosis is a food and water-borne disease affecting the alimentary tract caused by gram negative bacteria, Campylobacter. The infection is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated water and food such as poultry products, uncooked or raw meat and raw milk.

The infection usually lasts for few weeks and affects mostly the infants and children but it can affect any age. It is more often seen during summer seasons when the climate is hot. The symptoms are often self-limiting and go away on their own by home remedies and fluid management at home. However in immune-compromised or weak people it may need medical help and antibiotic therapy.

Causes of Campylobacter Infection:

Campylobacteriosis is caused by a genus of gram negative bacteria, Campylobacter.

Mode of Transmission:

The infection is transmitted by contaminated water and raw or uncooked poultry food products. Consuming unpasteurised milk may also contain the bacteria which can enter via ingestion. Campylobacter resides in the alimentary canal of the poultry products and when the person consumes the uncooked or raw poultry products, the bacteria gets an entry in his body. Within weeks, the symptoms of the infection start appearing.

Handling the faeces of the infected person can also transmit the disease to another person.

Route of transmission: Feco-oral route

Signs and symptoms:

Following the entry of the bacteria in the body, the person infected shows such symptoms within a week of infection:

·         Diarrhoea: it is the main symptom of Campylobacter infection. The stools are watery and may or may not be bloody sometimes.

·         Nausea and vomiting: these are the common symptoms of any GI tract disturbance.

·         Abdominal pain: cramps in the abdomen may lead to abdominal pain

·         Fever: temperature may rise due to presence of infection in the body.

·         Bloating: some people may experience the feeling of gas in their stomachs.

These symptoms usually last for five to seven days. They can be managed at home with proper rest and care but in rare cases when the severity of the symptoms is high consulting the doctor and getting all laboratory tests done is the best approach.

 Call and consult the doctor if:

·         Fever is more than 102 degree Fahrenheit and does not subside

·         Bloody diarrhoea for more than two days

·         Severe abdominal cramps

·         Ongoing treatment of HIV/AIDS

·         Weak immunity

·         Dehydration as evident from sunken eyes, dry skin and mucus membranes, low urine output etc.

·         Inability to drink adequate amounts of fluids

Diagnosis:

The infection can be diagnosed by testing the vomit and stool samples of the infected person. Based on the history and symptoms also the diagnosis can be made out. But the sample testing is more accurate and reliable to confirm the CAMPYLOBACTER.

Treatment:

·         Home management excludes the necessity for any medical treatment in most of the people.

·         With adequate intake of fluids and juices, ensuring proper rest, etc. the symptoms go away within few days.

·         Drink plenty of clear fluids and when you start feeling good, you can start semisolid diet that’s soft on your tummy.

·         Cases with more severe symptoms are given anti-bacterial medications anti-diarrheal and anti-emetic drugs to control fever, diarrhoea and vomiting respectively.

·         Intravenous infusion of fluids is necessary in persons with weak immunity and severe dehydration.

Complications:

Campylobacter infection usually lasts for 2 to 10 days. If managed promptly, person can recover well from the infection within a week. If left untreated, the infection may reach the gallbladder and cause further damages. Rare complications include: cholecystitis, arthritis or Gullain Barre syndrome. It may affect the immune system and nerves of the person showing symptoms of arthritis or paralyses the limbs in rarest cases.

Prevention:

Prevention of Campylobacter is possible through application of safety and precautions.

·  Wash your hands before and after eating food or using toilets.

·  Wash all the food items, fruits or vegetables or any food items thoroughly under running water or at least twice with clean water.

·  Always drink milk after boiling it properly. Avoid consuming raw milk

·  Avoid the intake of raw meats or poultry products,

·  Cook the poultry and meat items properly before consumption,

·  Avoid contact with the infected persons vomitus, faeces or bloody secretions.

Campylobacter infection is one of the diarrheal infection affecting alimentary tract and people of all ages. Proper management and effective prevention approaches can be useful while dealing with this infection.

 

Note: This post is for informational and educational purpose only. It is not a substitute to any medical advice, consultation or treatment. Seek medical help in any case.