campylobacter

Campylobacter is a type of bacteria that infects the gastrointestinal tract. There are many types of the bacteria but a species called Campylobacter jejuni is responsible for most Campylobacter infections.

Campylobacter is the most frequently notified gastrointestinal disease in New Zealand. There were 14,782 cases notified (adults and children) in 2002. The disease tends to be more common in spring and summer.

where is Campylobacter found?

The Campylobacter bacteria is commonly found in the guts of birds, but may also be found in cattle, dogs, cats and rodents. These animals may or may not show symptoms of Campylobacter.

Excretions from infected animals can contaminate soil or water. Flies have also been implicated as a possible transmitter of Campylobacter. Humans who catch Campylobacter can also carry bacteria in their guts - even for a few weeks after their illness has stopped.

how do you get Campylobacter?

Transmission of Campylobacter can occur by children or adults coming into contact with infected animals, by ingesting contaminated food or water, or catching it from another person who has the illness or is still carrying the bacteria after the illness has stopped.

Undercooked chicken is recognised as an important cause of many cases of Campylobacter. Here the Campylobacter living inside the bird has not been killed as the cooking temperature was not high enough and the cooking time not long enough.

Campylobacter can live for up to an hour on hands and moist kitchen surfaces. It can, therefore, be caught if uncooked meat containing Campylobacter comes into contact with hands, cutting boards and knives, and if these utensils are not washed thoroughly after use. The Campylobacter that remains on these surfaces can inadvertently be ingested. Similarly, if uncooked meat containing Campylobacter comes into contact with produce or cooked food, which is then eaten, you can also catch Campylobacter.

symptoms of Campylobacter

Symptoms usually occur two to five days after exposure to the bacteria with the main ones being fever, stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea. The diarrhoea can be watery but it may also contain fresh blood and mucus. Campylobacter can sometimes be a very mild illness with few symptoms, or it can be severe. The illness usually lasts two to five days, and it is unusual for it to last more than 10 days. The main concern is dehydration.

treatment of Campylobacter

If your child is vomiting and has diarrhoea, you should see your doctor to establish a diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan. If Campylobacter is expected, your doctor may suggest a stool specimen to look for the Campylobacter bug. Usually the illness goes away by itself.

Children’s pain relief can be given for fever, and special attention should be given to supplying extra fluids to avoid dehydration.

Sometimes an antibiotic is given for very severe cases to lessen the length of time the Campylobacter bacteria stays in your child’s system. Children must not go to pre-school or playgroup while they have fever, vomiting and/or diarrhoea. Some early childhood centres have specific policies regarding how long a child with an illness should be excluded for, and it is important that you discuss this with your child’s caregiver.

prevention of Campylobacter

• People with Campylobacter should not work with food or prepare food for others.
• Flies and household pets should be excluded from kitchen areas.
• Thaw frozen meat completely and cook meat and poultry thoroughly.
• Keep raw meat and poultry separate and sealed from other foods in the refrigerator.
• Clean knives, cutting boards and other surfaces as soon as possible after contact with raw meat and poultry.
• Always wash your hands after going to the toilet or changing a nappy.
• Always wash hands before touching food.
• Always wash hands after playing or working with domestic animals or pets.

For further information see your doctor or public health nurse.

Dr Catherine Cearns, General Practitioner