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Pathogens
Campylobacter species

Campylobacter species

Precautions

See 'Additional Information'

Susceptibilities

General susceptibility
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General Information

Motile, comma-shaped, Gram negative bacillus

The gastrointestinal tracts of domestic and wild birds and animals are reservoirs.

Transmission occurs by ingestion of contaminated food or water or by direct contact with fecal material from infected animals or people.

  • Diarrheal illness
  • Immunoreactive complications can occur:
    • Guillain-Barre Syndrome
    • Reactive arthritis
    • Myocarditis
    • Pericarditis
    • Erythema nodosum during convalescence
  • Consider contact precautions for adults if stool cannot be contained or for adults with poor hygiene who contaminate their environment. 
  • Treatment with effective antimicrobial shortens period of infectivity. 
  • Contact precautions apply to children.