Campylobacter Jejuni Bacteria

Campylobacter jejuni

The number of people infected with Campylobacter jejuni now equals or exceeds those affected by Salmonella. Although the largest foodborne disease outbreak was traced to a municipal water supply, most other cases are linked to raw meat, undercooked poultry, unpasteurized milk, and untreated water. Common symptoms include gastroenteritis, nausea, headache, abdominal cramps, diarrhea and occasionally fever. Nonintestinal complications can include meningitis, cholecystitis, urinary tract infection, and reactive arthritis. Signs of infection become apparent two to five days after exposure by ingestion and last from two to ten days. About 20 percent of cases are prolonged, but fatalities are rare.