How Does Campylobacter Cause Illness in Humans?
February 9, 2024 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Campylobacter is a genus of bacteria that includes several species, with Campylobacter jejuni being one of the most common causes of bacterial gastroenteritis in humans. Campylobacteriosis, the illness caused by Campylobacter infection, is typically associated with the consumption of contaminated food, especially undercooked poultry, unpasteurized milk, and untreated water. Here’s how Campylobacter can cause illness in humans:
- Ingestion of Contaminated Food or Water: The primary mode of transmission of Campylobacter to humans is through the consumption of contaminated food or water. Raw or undercooked poultry, unpasteurized milk, and untreated water are common sources of Campylobacter contamination.
- Colonization of the Intestinal Tract: After ingestion, Campylobacter bacteria reach the small intestine and colonize the mucous lining. The bacteria can then multiply and interfere with normal digestive processes.
- Invasion of Intestinal Epithelial Cells: Campylobacter has the ability to invade the epithelial cells lining the intestines. This invasion can lead to damage of the intestinal tissue and trigger an inflammatory response.
- Inflammatory Response: Campylobacter infection induces an inflammatory response in the gastrointestinal tract. This inflammatory reaction contributes to the characteristic symptoms of campylobacteriosis, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever.
- Toxin Production: While Campylobacter jejuni does not produce toxins like some other foodborne pathogens, the inflammatory response and invasion of intestinal cells can lead to the release of inflammatory mediators that contribute to symptoms.
- Duration and Severity of Symptoms: The incubation period for Campylobacter infection is usually a few days, and the symptoms can include watery or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, nausea, and vomiting. The severity and duration of symptoms vary, but most cases of campylobacteriosis are self-limiting and resolve within a week.
- Potential Complications: In some cases, Campylobacter infection can lead to complications such as reactive arthritis or Guillain-Barré syndrome. Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare but serious neurological disorder that can cause muscle weakness and paralysis.
Preventing Campylobacter infection involves practicing good food safety and hygiene measures, such as cooking poultry thoroughly, avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods, and consuming pasteurized milk and treated water. Additionally, proper hand hygiene, especially after handling raw poultry, can help prevent the spread of Campylobacter and other foodborne pathogens.
If someone experiences symptoms suggestive of a bacterial infection, including Campylobacteriosis, it is essential to seek medical attention for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. In severe cases or those with complications, medical intervention may be necessary.