Research Information System
9th ANKARA INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH , Ankara, Turkey, 26 - 29 December 2023, pp.595-600
Campylobacteriosis (Campylobacter infection), one of the
leading foodborne diseases in humans, is caused by the Campylobacter bacteria. Campylobacter spp. They are
Gram-negative bacteria that are spirally curled, mobile, and grow in a
microaerophilic environment. The most common species are Campylobacter jejuni (80-90%)
and Campylobacter coli (5-10%). It is
considered one of the main causes of bacterial foodborne illness in many
developed countries. The disease is characterized by mostly bloody diarrhea,
abdominal pain, fever, nausea and vomiting after an incubation period of 24-72
hours. More serious illnesses may occur, characterized by symptoms that mimic
dehydration, acute appendicitis, or ulcerative colitis. C. jejuni infection is also known to be a cause of bacteremia in
people with weak immune systems and recurrent diarrhea in children.
Campylobacteriosis has been the most frequently reported gastrointestinal
infection in humans in the European Union, with more than 200,000 cases per
year since 2005. C. jejuni and C. coli are normally carried in the
intestines of many domestic and wild animals. Major routes of transmission
include consuming contaminated food, especially undercooked chicken and foods
contaminated with raw chicken, consuming contaminated water or dairy products
(mostly unpasteurized milk). Transmission also occurs less frequently through contact
with domestic animals, especially kittens and puppies, and livestock (e.g.
cows, poultry). Campylobacteriosis is usually self-limiting in healthy
individuals, with symptoms lasting 5-7 days and requiring only fluids and
supportive care. Although antimicrobial drug therapy reduces the duration of
symptoms when administered early during the disease, it is not recommended
except for high-risk patients. Campylobacteriosis is diagnosed by testing a
stool sample. There is no vaccine available. Compliance with food and water
safety precautions and hand washing habits are important in preventing the
disease. Antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended.
Key
words: Campylobacter,
Campylobacteriosis, foodborne disease.