Campylobacter bacteria are a common cause of food poisoning, typically resulting in gastroenteritis, an intestinal infection characterized by diarrhea and often accompanied by vomiting.
These bacteria are frequently found in raw meat, particularly poultry like chicken and turkey. Proper cooking usually eliminates the bacteria. Campylobacter may also be present in unpasteurized milk, untreated water, and occasionally in mushrooms and shellfish.
Symptoms of Campylobacteriosis typically appear within 2 to 5 days after exposure to the bacteria and include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- Fever
- Vomiting
In severe cases, dehydration can occur due to fluid loss. If dehydration is suspected, prompt medical attention is essential. Symptoms of dehydration in children include reduced urine output, dry mouth, tongue, and lips, decreased tears when crying, sunken eyes, weakness, irritability, drowsiness, pale or mottled skin, cold extremities, decreased wet diapers, and rapid shallow breathing. In adults, symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, sunken eyes, decreased urine output, dry mouth and tongue, weakness, irritability, apathy, confusion, rapid heart rate, coma, and reduced urine production.
Dehydration is more likely in infants under 1 year of age, particularly those under 6 months, low-birth-weight infants, infants who have ceased breastfeeding, and children with severe diarrhea and vomiting.
Most cases of Campylobacteriosis resolve on their own without treatment. However, severe symptoms may warrant antibiotic therapy such as ciprofloxacin or azithromycin.