Campylobacter infection (intestinal bacterial infection)
About Campylobacter infection (intestinal bacterial infection)
One of the most common causes of diarrhea in the United States, affecting over one million people every year. People usually get infected by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, often raw poultry, fresh produce, or unpasteurized milk. A person can also be infected by close contact with an infected person or animal. Symptoms begin 2-4 days after infection and generally last one week.Symptoms
Diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, weakness.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests will be done to determine dehydration and stool cultures performed to identify bacteria.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP).
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Intravenous fluids for dehydration and reversal of any electrolyte abnormalities (blood chemistry problems). Antibiotics are often prescribed but the infection will often resolve on its own.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Pediatrics · Family Practice · Infectious Disease Medicine · Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Campylobacter infection (intestinal bacterial infection).