Smileband health topics

Campylobacteriosis is caused by bacteria of the genus Campylobacter. It is one of the most common causes of “traveler’s diarrhea.” Many infections are asymptomatic. If illness occurs, it generally lasts 7-10 days.

 

Diarrhea associated with Campylobacteriosis may be watery or sticky and can contain blood (usually occult) and fecal leukocytes (white cells).

 

In Arizona, Campylobacteriosis is one of the highest reported enteric disease with case numbers ranging from 800 to 1,400 per year.

 

Arizona 5 year median: 940 cases

 

Transmission

Transmission occurs through ingestion of the organisms in raw poultry and pork, contaminated food and water, unpasteurized dairy, juices, and ciders; from contact with infected pets, farm animals or infected infants.

Person-to-person transmission, which occurs by hand-to-mouth transfer of feces, appears to be uncommon.

Lab Tests & Specimen Info

Test*	Specimen
Culture	Stool
Immunoassay EIA	Stool

 Isolation Precautions

Enteric precautions followed for the duration of acute symptoms.

Prevention for Patients
Prevention methods include:

• Cooking all poultry thoroughly (make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F)
• Wash your hands with soap before preparing food
• Wash hands with soap after handling raw foods of animal origins
• Prevent cross-contamination in the kitchen by using separate cutting boards for foods of animal origin and another for other foods
• Do not drink unpasteurized milk or untreated surface water
• Wash hands with soap after contact with pet feces

Public Health Actions
Symptomatic indivdiuals and symptomatic household contacts should be excluded from food handling, care of patients in hospitals, and care of people in custodial care and child care centers until no longer symptomatic or until treatment has been maintained for at least 24 hours.

Children with diarrhea may not attend daycare or school until symptoms have resolved or until treatment has been maintained for at least 24 hours.