Gastroenteritis Campylobacteriosis

Overview

Campylobacteriosis is an infection of the gut caused by Campylobacter bacteria. Campylobacter (say: kam-puh-lo-BAK-ter) is a common germ that can get into food, water, or onto your hands. When it infects the stomach and intestines, it causes gastroenteritis — inflammation (swelling and irritation) of the gut. This leads to diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and sometimes fever. It is often called food poisoning.

Yes, it is very common. Campylobacter is one of the most common bacterial causes of diarrhoea worldwide.

Anyone can get it, but it is more common in young children, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and people who handle animals or food.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Watery diarrhoea, sometimes with blood or mucus
• Stomach cramps or pain
• Feeling sick (nausea) and sometimes vomiting
• Fever
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle aches

Symptoms in children

• More likely to become dehydrated
• Fewer wet nappies or less urine
• Sunken eyes
• Sleepiness or irritability
• Dry mouth and lips
• Crying without tears
• Blood in the poo

Symptoms in older adults

• Dehydration can happen faster
• Weakness or confusion
• Dizziness when standing
• Less urine than usual
• Dry mouth

Causes

Main causes

• Eating undercooked poultry, especially chicken
• Cross-contamination: raw meat juices touching ready-to-eat food
• Drinking unpasteurised milk or untreated water
• Contact with infected animals or their faeces
• Poor hand hygiene after using the toilet or changing nappies

Risk factors

• Being a young child or an older adult
• Having a weakened immune system
• Working with animals or in food preparation
• Travel to areas with poor sanitation
• Drinking untreated water

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Blood in your stool
• You cannot keep fluids down
• Signs of dehydration that are not severe, such as dry mouth or dark urine
• Diarrhoea lasting more than 7 days
• A baby under 3 months with a fever

Book a routine appointment if:

• Diarrhoea that is not improving after a few days
• You are worried, especially about a child or older adult
• You have a weakened immune system
• You need advice about work, school, or childcare

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, what you have eaten, and any travel or animal contact. They may examine you. Most people do not need tests. If symptoms are severe, last a long time, or you are in a high-risk group, a stool sample may be tested.

Tests that may be done

• A stool (poo) sample to check for Campylobacter and other germs
• Blood tests if you are very unwell or dehydrated
• Tests to check your hydration and salt balance

What to expect at your appointment

Tests are simple and quick. A stool sample is collected at home or in the clinic. Results can take a few days. Your doctor will tell you if you need treatment or follow-up.

Treatment

The main treatment is to replace lost fluids and rest. Most healthy people get better without medicine. Your healthcare provider can advise on what to do and when to seek more help.

Self-care at home

• Sip small amounts of fluid often — water, clear broth, or rehydration drinks
• Keep drinking even if you feel sick; try a spoonful at a time
• Rest
• Eat small, plain meals as you feel able
• Wash hands well after using the toilet and before preparing food
• Stay home from work or school until 48 hours after the last episode of diarrhoea, and follow local rules for food handlers, healthcare workers, and children in childcare
• Do not prepare food for others while unwell

Medical treatments

A healthcare professional will check for dehydration and may suggest fluids. In some severe or high-risk cases, they may prescribe medicine to treat the infection. They may also advise on symptom relief. Do not take anti-diarrhoea medicines without asking a pharmacist or doctor first.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not usually needed for Campylobacter gastroenteritis.

Living with this condition

Most people feel better within a few days, but tiredness can last a little longer. Focus on fluids and rest. Keep track of how often you pass urine and how you feel. Ask for help if you live alone or care for someone who is unwell.

Lifestyle tips

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after the toilet, changing nappies, and before food preparation
• Keep raw meat away from cooked food
• Cook poultry thoroughly
• Avoid untreated water and unpasteurised milk
• Clean surfaces and utensils after contact with raw meat

Diet and exercise

Eat plain foods as you feel ready — for example, rice, bread, or bananas. Avoid heavy, fatty, or spicy meals until you feel better. Drink fluids often. Rest and avoid intense exercise until you are fully recovered.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Being unwell with diarrhoea can be worrying, especially if you are caring for a child or worried about passing it on. It can feel isolating. If anxiety or low mood is affecting you, talk to your doctor. If you feel in crisis or unsafe, contact your local crisis service or emergency services right away.

Prevention

Yes. Good hand hygiene and food safety greatly lower the risk.

Vaccines

There is no routine vaccine to prevent Campylobacter infection.

Screening programmes

Screening is not used for this infection. If symptoms continue, your doctor may arrange tests to look for other causes.

Complications

If left untreated

• Dehydration — losing too much water and salts from the body
• Electrolyte imbalance, which can affect how your body works
• Reactive arthritis — joint pain after an infection
• Guillain-Barré syndrome — a rare nerve condition that causes weakness
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — ongoing tummy symptoms
• Rarely, the infection can spread to the blood, especially in people with weakened immune systems

Long-term outlook

The outlook is very good for most people. Symptoms usually settle within a week, though tiredness or loose stools can last a little longer. With fluids and rest, most people recover fully. Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe or not improving.

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