Key Takeaways
- Campylobacter infection is a common bacterial infection of the digestive system.
- It is usually self-limited, resolving within about 5–7 days.
- Infection most often occurs after ingesting contaminated food or water.
- Older adults and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk for complications.
- Preventive measures focus on food safety, hygiene, and safe water.
Overview
Campylobacter infection, also called campylobacteriosis, is a bacterial infection of the digestive system. It is one of the most common causes of bacterial gastrointestinal illness worldwide. The infection is caused by bacteria from the Campylobacter group, most commonly Campylobacter jejuni.
In most people, the illness is self-limited, meaning it resolves on its own within about 5–7 days. However, some individuals can develop complications that require medical attention.
Causes
Campylobacter infection is caused by Campylobacter bacteria, which infect the intestines.
- Campylobacter jejuni is responsible for most human infections.
- These bacteria commonly live in the intestines of birds and other animals without causing illness, which explains why animal and food exposure are common sources of infection.
Transmission and Exposure
People become infected after ingesting the bacteria. Verified sources of exposure include:
- Undercooked poultry
- Unpasteurized milk or dairy products
- Contaminated drinking water
- Contact with infected animals or animal feces, including household pets
- Kitchen cross-contamination, such as using the same cutting boards or utensils for raw and ready-to-eat foods
Only a small number of bacteria may be needed to cause infection.
Contagiousness
Campylobacter infection can spread from person to person, but this occurs less often than food- or water-borne transmission.
The bacteria may be present in stool, and transmission has been documented in situations involving:
- Changing diapers
- Poor hygiene after bathroom use
- Certain close-contact behaviors
Hand hygiene is an important preventive measure.
Incubation Period and Duration
- Symptoms typically begin within several days after exposure.
- In most cases, symptoms last about 5–7 days.
- Some people may continue to experience abdominal discomfort for a longer period after diarrhea resolves.
There is no high-quality evidence supporting an exact incubation window of “2–5 days” across all cases.
Symptoms
Common, verified symptoms include:
- Diarrhea, which may be bloody
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Fever
- Body aches
Headache and nausea are not consistently supported by high-quality evidence in authoritative sources.
Because diarrhea can lead to fluid loss, maintaining hydration is important.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Groups with higher risk for severe illness or complications include:
- Older adults
- People with weakened immune systems
There is no high-quality evidence confirming that pregnancy or young children alone increase the risk of severe complications, although children can become infected.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is typically made by laboratory testing of a stool sample to detect Campylobacter bacteria.
There is no verified evidence that routine blood tests are used to diagnose uncomplicated intestinal infection.
Treatment
Most Campylobacter infections do not require specific medical treatment.
Verified treatment principles include:
- Supportive care, especially adequate fluid intake
- Electrolyte replacement when needed
Antibiotics may be prescribed for:
- Severe illness
- People at higher risk for complications
Antibiotics are not routinely recommended for otherwise healthy individuals with mild disease.
Possible Complications
Complications are uncommon, but can occur, particularly in higher-risk individuals. Verified complications include:
- Reactive arthritis
- Guillain–Barré syndrome, a rare autoimmune neurological condition linked to Campylobacter infection
- Bloodstream infection (bacteremia)
There is no high-quality evidence confirming that severe dehydration or sepsis are common complications in otherwise healthy individuals.
Prevention
Evidence-based prevention measures include:
- Cooking poultry thoroughly
- Avoiding unpasteurized milk and dairy products
- Drinking treated or safe water
- Washing hands after handling raw meat or animals
- Preventing kitchen cross-contamination by separating raw and ready-to-eat foods
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical advice if:
- Symptoms are severe or persistent
- You are in a higher-risk group, such as being immunocompromised or older
- Diarrhea does not improve after several days
There is no high-quality evidence defining specific emergency warning signs such as confusion or fainting specifically for Campylobacter infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Campylobacter a virus?
No. Campylobacter infection is caused by bacteria, not a virus.
How long does Campylobacter infection last?
Most people recover within about one week. Some abdominal discomfort may persist longer.
Does Campylobacter cause bloody diarrhea?
Yes. Bloody diarrhea is a verified symptom in some cases.
Can children get Campylobacter?
Yes. Children can become infected, but there is no high-quality evidence that children are at higher risk of severe complications solely due to age.
Can you go to work or school with Campylobacter?
There is no high-quality evidence establishing universal rules about returning to work or school. Local public health guidance may vary.
Can Campylobacter kill you?
There is no high-quality evidence showing that Campylobacter infection commonly causes death in otherwise healthy individuals.
How common is Campylobacter infection?
Campylobacter infection is among the most common bacterial causes of gastrointestinal illness worldwide.
Where is Campylobacter found?
Campylobacter bacteria are commonly found in food animals, particularly poultry, and in contaminated food or water.
What does Campylobacter look like?
There is no high-quality evidence supporting clinical relevance of visual appearance for patient understanding.
APA Reference List
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. (2025, December 23). Campylobacteriosis. https://www.cdc.gov.au/diseases/campylobacteriosis
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 10). About Campylobacter infection. https://www.cdc.gov/campylobacter/about/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 10). Guillain-Barré syndrome. https://www.cdc.gov/campylobacter/signs-symptoms/guillain-barre-syndrome.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 10). Preventing Campylobacter infection. https://www.cdc.gov/campylobacter/prevention/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 13). Symptoms of Campylobacter infection. https://www.cdc.gov/campylobacter/signs-symptoms/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 13). Treatment of Campylobacter infection. https://www.cdc.gov/campylobacter/treatment/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, January 30). Clinical overview of Campylobacter. https://www.cdc.gov/campylobacter/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html
Fischer, G. H., & Stoll, J. (2024). Campylobacter infection. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537033/
MedlinePlus. (2024, March 16). Campylobacter infection (Medical Encyclopedia). National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000224.htm
MedlinePlus. (2024, September 12). Campylobacter infections. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/campylobacterinfections.html
National Health Service. (n.d.). Diarrhoea and vomiting. https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/diarrhoea-and-vomiting/
Victoria State Government, Department of Health. (2024, October 24). Campylobacter infection. https://www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/campylobacter-infection
World Health Organization. (2020, May 1). Campylobacter. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/campylobacter
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust. (n.d.). What is Campylobacter? https://www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Campylobacter.pdf