Campylobacter bacteria are a common cause of diarrhea in humans. The disease is characterized by diarrhoea, abdominal pain, malaise, fever, nausea and vomiting. This diarrhoea may sometimes be bloody. These symptoms typically appear within 3 to 5 days after ingestion of the bacteria. The illness is usually over within 2 to 5 days, however, more serious episodes can last as long as 10 days.
Diagnosis is made from a stool culture.
The bacteria can be spread to other people through food and poor handwashing practices for as long as the bacteria is in the faeces. Therefore, it is important to submit follow-up stool samples, to make sure it is gone. Campylobacter bacteria are found in animals and birds including fowl, cattle, swine, sheep, dogs and cats. The bacteria can be spread through direct contact with animals, especially puppies, kittens and fowl. Also, direct contact with the manure in a barn is a possible source.