Gastrointestinal infection from Campylobacter: Recognizing symptoms and finding a cure
Campylobacter gastroenteritis is a common intestinal infection, and the most common bacterial cause of diarrheal illness in the United States. This infection, often contracted through eating undercooked meat, can lead to symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, and they usually last 3-6 days.
To prevent the spread of Campylobacter bacteria, it's crucial to follow a few key practices:
- Handwashing: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after handling raw meat or poultry, after using the bathroom, and before eating or preparing food. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
- Cooking Poultry and Meat Thoroughly: Ensure that internal temperatures for meats like hamburgers reach at least 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness, as heat is the only effective method to kill Campylobacter bacteria from foods.
- Avoiding Raw or Undercooked Poultry and Raw Milk Products: Raw or undercooked poultry and raw milk products are common sources of Campylobacter bacteria. It's best to avoid these to minimise the risk of infection.
- Preventing Cross-Contamination: Wash utensils, cutting boards, and surfaces that come into contact with raw meat or poultry before use with other foods. This helps to avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen.
- Proper Storage of Food: Store food at safe temperatures to prevent bacterial growth, and limit the time food spends in the temperature danger zone.
- Washing Fruits and Vegetables: Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly to remove possible contamination.
In addition, it's important to wash your hands after handling pets, using the bathroom, and touching used diapers. Refrigerate meat immediately to prevent bacterial growth, and drink extra fluids to stay hydrated during recovery.
In individuals with weakened immune systems, the bacteria may spread to the bloodstream, which can be life-threatening. If you experience symptoms such as fever, stomach pain, diarrhea that lasts for 2 days, or bloody diarrhea, contact a doctor promptly.
Although very rare, people may develop Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a complication of campylobacter gastroenteritis. The CDC estimates that an infection with Campylobacter bacteria leads to GBS in approximately 1 in every 1000 cases, and Campylobacter bacteria might be responsible for 40% of GBS cases.
The Food and Drug Administration and the United States Department of Agriculture regulate the safety of meat and poultry, but taking these preventive measures at home can further reduce the risk of infection. Remember, careful food handling, proper cooking, hand hygiene, and avoiding raw milk are the most effective ways to prevent Campylobacter gastroenteritis.
For parents and caregivers, it's particularly important to be vigilant. If a child under 12 months old develops symptoms of campylobacter gastroenteritis, contact a doctor immediately.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Campylobacter Infections. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/campylobacter/index.html [2] Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Safe Food Handling. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/safe-food-handling [3] United States Department of Agriculture. (2021). Food Safety and Inspection Service. Retrieved from https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/foodborne-illnesses/campylobacter-infections/CT_Index [4] World Health Organization. (2021). Campylobacter. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/campylobacter-infection [5] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Campylobacter infection. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/campylobacter-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20373652
- Regularly practicing skin care, such as washing hands, could also minimize the risk of contracting Campylobacter gastroenteritis from pets.
- Medical-conditions like chronic-kidney-disease, chronic-diseases, neurological-disorders, or migraines may affect a person's ability to combat this intestinal infection, making them more susceptible to its complications.
- As part of a health-and-wellness routine, incorporating nutrition, fitness-and-exercise, and mental-health practices can help bolster the immune system, making individuals better equipped to handle Campylobacter infections.
- The use of CBD products has been studied for its potential benefits in managing symptoms associated with certain neurological-disorders and mental-health conditions, though further research is needed to confirm its efficacy.
- Science continues to evolve, and researching the impact of intestinal infections like Campylobacter gastroenteritis on various medical-conditions, such as gastrointestinal, immune, and neurological systems, can lead to better understanding and treatment options.
- A dermatologist or skin-care expert might suggest adjustments to daily routines and product use to alleviate symptoms caused by Campylobacter gastroenteritis, such as skin irritation, inflammation, or rashes.
- In order to maintain overall health, it's essential to prioritize a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate hydration, mental wellness, and proper skin care as part of an ongoing commitment to health-and-wellness.
