National Institutes of Health

The primary NIH organization for research on Campylobacter Infections is the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

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Campylobacter Infections

Summary

Campylobacter infection is a common foodborne illness. You usually get it from eating contaminated food, especially raw or undercooked poultry. You can also get it from drinking contaminated water or raw milk, or handling infected animal feces (poop).

Some infected people don't have any symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they start two to five days after you are infected. They usually last about one week, and can include

Diarrhea (which could be bloody)
Cramping
Abdominal pain
Fever
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting

Health care providers use stool tests to make a diagnosis. Most people get better without treatment. You should drink extra fluids for as long as the diarrhea lasts. People who have a severe infection or a weakened immune system may need to take antibiotics. In rare cases, the infection can cause reactive arthritis or Guillain-Barre syndrome.

To prevent Campylobacter infection, cook poultry thoroughly. Use a separate cutting board and utensils for meats. Make sure to clean them carefully with soap and hot water after you use them.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Learn More

Bacteria Culture Test (National Library of Medicine)Also in Spanish
Campylobacter (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Campylobacter Infections (Nemours Foundation)Also in Spanish
Campylobacter Infections (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Campylobacter Questions and Answers (Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service)Also in Spanish
Chicken from Farm to Table (Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service)
Stool Culture (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)