What is campylobacter infection?

Campylobacter infection (also called campylobacteriosis) is a bacterial infection. It is caused by bacteria such as campylobacter jejuni and campylobacter coli. It mainly spreads through eating contaminated food, especially poultry.

If you have campylobacter infection, you may have stomach cramps and diarrhoea. Most people get better without treatment. Some people may need antibiotics. Sometimes, it may lead to other illnesses.

What are the symptoms of campylobacter infection?

Symptoms usually start within 1 to 7 days after consuming contaminated food or water. These may include:

• fever and chills
• diarrhoea, which may be bloody
• abdominal cramps or pain, often around the belly button
• nausea and sometimes vomiting
• muscle aches, general discomfort or tiredness

Symptoms usually last about a week. Some symptoms, such as abdominal pain or tiredness may persist for longer.

In children, symptoms may be more severe. These may include high fever and in rare cases, seizures.

Newborns may experience vomiting and stools containing blood, without any other symptoms.

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What causes campylobacter infection?

Bacteria from the campylobacter family cause campylobacter infection, mainly the strains campylobacter jejuni and campylobacter coli. These bacteria are common causes of food poisoning. They live in the intestines of animals, especially poultry, and can contaminate food, water and surfaces.

When a person consumes contaminated food or water, it can lead to gastroenteritis.

You can be infected with campylobacter if you:

• eat contaminated, undercooked or raw poultry
• drink contaminated water or unpasteurised (raw) milk
• come into contact with the poo or vomit of someone who has campylobacter infection
• have contact with contaminated pets, farm animals or their poo
• eat food prepared with poor kitchen hygiene practices, such as using the same utensils or surfaces for raw and cooked food

Risk factors

You are more likely to become infected with campylobacter if:

• if you travel to areas with limited resources
• if you work with animals or animal products
• if you are a young child or an older adult
• during warm seasons

If you live with malnutrition or a weakened immune system, you may be at a higher risk of severe infection.

When should I see my doctor?

Older adults and young children should see their doctor if they have symptoms of campylobacter infection, as they are at a higher risk of dehydration.

See your doctor if you have:

• signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination, tiredness, dizziness or dry mouth
• fever
• diarrhoea containing blood or diarrhoea that lasts more than a week
• severe belly pain
• a weakened immune system or are taking medicines to suppress your immune system

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How is campylobacter infection diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose campylobacter infection by asking about your symptoms and referring you for tests. Tests to confirm the diagnosis may include:

• stool (poo) tests
• blood tests
• molecular tests — a more sensitive test that looks for the bacteria's DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

Other tests may be needed if your symptoms are similar to other conditions, such as appendicitis.

Campylobacter infection is a notifiable disease. This means that if your doctor confirms you have campylobacter infection, they must notify the local health department.

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How is campylobacter infection treated?

Campylobacter infection is usually mild and goes away on its own. Most people get better without the antibiotics. The focus of treatment is on managing symptoms and staying hydrated.

General care

Avoid preparing food for others until your symptoms have completely resolved.

Here are some things you can do to manage your symptoms:

• Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or oral rehydration solution.
• Avoid taking anti-vomiting or anti-diarrhoeal medicines unless recommended by your doctor.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are only recommended for cases of severe illness or for people with risk factors for severe illness, such as:

• bloody stools, high fever or symptoms lasting more than a week
• pregnancy
• older age
• a weakened immune system

Always follow your doctor's advice and always take any prescribed medicines as directed.

What are the complications of campylobacter infection?

Most people recover from campylobacter infection without further problems. In a minority of cases, it can lead to complications, such as:

• Guillain-Barre syndrome — a neurological condition leading to muscle weakness or paralysis
• reactive arthritis — joint swelling and pain that may last for several months
• sepsis or bacteraemia — when infection spreads to the bloodstream
• meningitis and myocarditis — when infection spreads to the brain or heart
• intestinal complications — such as appendicitis, pancreatitis or cholecystitis
• dehydration

Can I prevent campylobacter infection?

You can reduce your chance of campylobacter infection by practising good food safety and hygiene.

• Thoroughly cook meat, poultry and eggs. Never eat poultry if it is still pink in the middle.
• Clean knives, cutting boards and surfaces after handling raw chicken.
• Do not drink unpasteurised milk or eat products made from it.
• Wash your hands, especially after touching raw meat, going to the toilet or touching animals.
• In areas with limited resources, avoid untreated water, raw meat and unwashed fruits or vegetables.

Here are tips to prevent the spread of campylobacter:

• Keep yourself or your child away from work, school or day care while unwell.
• Avoid handling or cooking food until you are well.
• Wash your hands after changing a nappy, going to the bathroom or taking out the rubbish.

Currently, there isn't a vaccine to prevent campylobacter infection.

If you are pregnant or have a weak immune system, ask your doctor for more tips to avoid food poisoning.

Resources and support

• The Victorian Government offers information more on campylobacter
• NSW Government Food Authority provides a video and information about food poisoning.
• NSW Health offers a campylobacteriosis fact sheet.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Other languages

• Health Translations has translated information on food poisoning and how to prevent it.
• The Food Safety Information Council offers translated videos on food safety.
• The Victorian Government provides translated posters on food safety rules.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

• The Food Safety Information Council has information on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and food safety.