Case Definition 

Campylobacteriosis - 2015 Case Definition

General Overview

• Agent - Campylobacter species (spp.)
• Reservoir – Animals, most frequently poultry and cattle. Other sources of infection include pets such as kittens and puppies along with swine, sheep, rodents and birds.
• Environment - Campylobacter spp. grow in the 86–113°F temperature range. Although unable to grow below 86°F, Campylobacter spp. survive at temperatures as low as 39.2°F under moist conditions. Survival in food is extended at refrigeration temperatures compared with room temperature, with viable cells being found after 7 months storage at 39.2°F. Although Campylobacter spp. survive well at cold temperatures, they are sensitive to heat and are readily inactivated by pasteurization treatment or domestic cooking. Poultry should be cooked until it reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Campylobacter spp. are highly sensitive to loss of moisture and do not survive well on dry surfaces.
• Occurrence – Campylobacter is found throughout the world. Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli are the species isolated most commonly from patients with diarrhea.
• Risk Factors – Persons who consume raw dairy products or undercooked meats, particularly poultry; persons who consume untreated water, persons who are immune compromised; persons who have direct contact with infected animals.
• Mode of Transmission - Primarily by consumption of raw dairy, undercooked meats (especially poultry) or water contaminated with the organism; direct contact with infected animals such as farm animals and pets such as kittens and puppies.
• Period of Communicability – Person-to-person transmission occurs occasionally, particularly among very young children, and risk is greatest during the acute phase of illness.
• Incubation Period – Usually 2-5 days (range 1-10 days).
• Clinical Illness – Diarrhea (which may be bloody), abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting along with fever and malaise which may precede diarrhea by a day or more. Symptoms may last from a period of 1-2 days to two weeks.
• Laboratory Testing – Culture and culture-independent diagnostic tests (CIDTs) which include PCR and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) methods.
• Treatment – Most patients do not require antimicrobial therapy. Azithromycin and erythromycin shorten the duration of illness and excretion of susceptible organisms and may prevent relapse when administered early in gastrointestinal tract infection. Fluoroquinolones can also be used for persons >18 years of age. Anti-motility agents should not be used.
• Priority – Prompt investigation and implementation of control measures are required.