Campylobacter

Campylobacteriosis is caused by bacteria of the genus Campylobacter. At least 12 species have been implicated in human cases of the disease among which Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli that seem to be the most important. Campylobacteriosis is one of the most important causes of food borne disease in developed countries. Common disease manifestations are abdominal pain, fever and diarrhea that may be bloody. The onset of symptoms is 2-5 days after consumption of contaminated food. The disease may last up to one week. In high risk groups the bacterium may enter the blood stream causing severe illness. The bacterium is found in wild and domestic animals, cattle, swine, sheep, shellfish. Most common route of transmission is the consumption of contaminated food, mostly meat or meat products and raw milk and dairy products.