Campylobacter jejuni, often shortened to C. jejuni, is a widespread bacterium and a prominent cause of foodborne illness globally. It is characterized by its distinctive spiral, S-shaped, or curved rod appearance. Its prevalence in human infections makes it significant from a public health standpoint.
Understanding C. jejuni Infection
Infection with C. jejuni leads to campylobacteriosis, an illness primarily affecting the digestive system. Symptoms usually develop within 2 to 5 days after exposure. The illness commonly presents with diarrhea, often bloody, along with abdominal cramps, fever, and nausea. Vomiting, headaches, muscle aches, and general discomfort may also occur.
Campylobacteriosis is generally a self-limiting illness, lasting about 3 to 6 days. However, some symptoms like abdominal pain or tiredness can persist longer. Symptom severity varies from mild discomfort to severe cases requiring medical attention.
How C. jejuni Spreads
The bacterium C. jejuni is commonly found in the intestinal tracts of many warm-blooded animals, including poultry, cattle, pigs, and pets like cats and dogs. Consuming raw or undercooked poultry is a major pathway for human infection, as C. jejuni is highly prevalent in commercial poultry and can transfer to meat during processing.
Other common sources include unpasteurized milk and contaminated water. The bacteria can also spread through cross-contamination in the kitchen, such as when raw poultry juices come into contact with ready-to-eat foods or surfaces. While less common, person-to-person spread can occur if an infected individual does not practice thorough hand hygiene after using the restroom.
Diagnosis and Management
Diagnosis of C. jejuni infection typically involves laboratory testing of a stool sample. Stool culture is considered the gold standard for identifying Campylobacter species, though it requires specific conditions for growth. Rapid diagnostic methods like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests or antigen tests can also detect Campylobacter, often providing quicker results.
For most individuals, campylobacteriosis resolves without specific antimicrobial treatment. Management primarily focuses on supportive care, which includes maintaining adequate hydration by drinking plenty of fluids like water or oral rehydration solutions, and getting sufficient rest. Antibiotics may be prescribed in certain situations, such as for severe cases, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those experiencing persistent symptoms like high fever, bloody diarrhea, or a large number of stools. Macrolide antibiotics, like azithromycin, are often the preferred treatment when antibiotics are indicated. It is advisable to seek medical attention if signs of dehydration appear, such as decreased urination or dizziness, or if symptoms are severe, include bloody diarrhea, or last longer than a week.
Preventing C. jejuni Infection
Preventing C. jejuni infection largely revolves around diligent food safety practices. Thoroughly cooking poultry is important, as the bacteria are sensitive to heat and are destroyed by adequate cooking temperatures. Poultry should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) throughout, and juices run clear. It is also advisable to avoid washing raw chicken, as this can spread contaminated water droplets to other surfaces and foods through cross-contamination.
To prevent cross-contamination, separate cutting boards and utensils should be used for raw meat and poultry, and for ready-to-eat foods like fruits and vegetables. All surfaces, cutting boards, and utensils that come into contact with raw meat should be washed with hot, soapy water immediately after use.
Proper handwashing with soap and water is also a primary preventive measure, especially before and after preparing food, after handling raw meat, after using the toilet, and after contact with animals. Avoiding unpasteurized milk and dairy products, as well as untreated water from sources like streams or ponds, further reduces the risk of infection.
Potential Post-Infection Complications
While campylobacteriosis typically resolves without lasting effects, some rare but serious complications can arise following an infection. Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is the most recognized post-infectious neurological complication associated with C. jejuni. GBS is an immune-mediated disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. Approximately 1 in every 1,000 cases of campylobacteriosis may lead to GBS.
Another potential complication is reactive arthritis, which involves painful inflammation of the joints that can develop after the initial infection and may persist for several months. These complications are uncommon, but their association with C. jejuni demonstrates the bacterium’s potential for broader health impacts beyond the acute gastrointestinal illness.