Highlights & Basics
- Campylobacter infection is one of the leading causes of acute diarrhea worldwide and is the most commonly reported bacterial cause of acute gastroenteritis in developed countries. It is also a major cause of travelers' diarrhea.
- Campylobacter jejuni is the primary cause of acute enteritis, causing 80% to 90% of all cases of recognized illness due to Campylobacter infection. Campylobacter coli is the second most common cause of acute enteritis. Campylobacter fetus is a rare cause of extra-intestinal infection, mainly in immunocompromised people.
- Campylobacters are carried by a wide variety of wild and domestic animals, most commonly birds. Most C jejuni infections in humans come from the consumption of infected poultry.
- Diarrhea is usually self-limited and resolves in 5-7 days. Campylobacter bacteremia is very rare.
- Fluid and electrolyte replacement is essential. Only a small proportion of patients benefit from antimicrobial therapy.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
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Citations
World Health Organization. Campylobacter fact sheet. 1 May 2020 [internet publication]. [Full Text]
Shane AL, Mody RK, Crump JA, et al. 2017 Infectious Diseases Society of America clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of infectious diarrhea. Clin Infect Dis. 2017 Nov 29;65(12):e45-80.[Abstract][Full Text]
Government of British Columbia. Laboratory. Nov 2023 [internet publication].[Full Text]
Riddle MS, DuPont HL, Connor BA. ACG clinical guideline: diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of acute diarrheal infections in adults. Am J Gastroenterol. 2016 May;111(5):602-22.[Abstract][Full Text]
World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO). WGO practice guideline: acute diarrhea. 2012 [internet publication].[Full Text]
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