Overview
Campylobacter is a leading cause of bacterial diarrhoea worldwide.
When to get urgent help
Seek urgent help for bloody diarrhoea with high fever or dehydration.
Causes and risk factors
Undercooked poultry, unpasteurised milk and contaminated water.
How it develops (pathophysiology)
The bacteria invade the lining of the small and large bowel, causing inflammation and sometimes bleeding. Rarely, the immune response cross-reacts with nerves, causing Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
Diarrhoea, sometimes bloody, tummy cramps, fever and vomiting.
How it is diagnosed
Possible complications
Dehydration, reactive arthritis and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Medicines
Usually none; antibiotics such as azithromycin for severe cases.
Other treatments
Fluids and rest.
Living with it and prevention
Cook chicken thoroughly and avoid cross-contamination.
Outlook
Usually better within a week.
