Campylobacteriosis

Several species of Campylobacter bacteria cause disease in humans. The most common species is Campylobacter jejuni. Most cases of campylobacteriosis are associated with consumption of undercooked meat (especially poultry) or ready-to-eat foods that have been contaminated with juices from raw meat. Person-to-person transmission is uncommon. Large outbreaks due to Campylobacter have been related to consumption of contaminated water, unpasteurized milk, or cheese. Humans can become infected after contact with infected pets, especially puppies and kittens. Campylobacteriosis is more common in areas of the world with inadequate drinking water and poor sanitation, so travelers to developing countries are at higher risk of infection.

• Campylobacteriosis factsheet
• Frequently asked questions about campylobacteriosis (CDC)
  
  

• Campylobacteriosis chapter from CDC’s Health Information for International Travel
  
  

Purpose of surveillance:

• To identify outbreaks and potential sources of ongoing transmission (e.g. a commercial raw milk dairy or public water supply).
• To prevent further transmission from such sources.

Local epidemiology:

In 2012, 447 cases of campylobacteriosis were reported (388 confirmed, one probable, 58 suspect), which is higher than past years. A likely contributing factor was a new requirement in 2011 for clinical laboratories to report positive tests for Campylobacter. Additionally, the increased use of non-culture based methods to detect Campylobacter has resulted in increased suspect case reports. Of the 144 cases with isolates that were speciated, 139 (97%) were Campylobacter jejuni, three cases had C. coli, one had C. laridis, and one had C. upsaliensis.

Fifty-seven (13%) cases were known to be hospitalized. Seventy-nine cases reported international travel during the exposure period; travel destinations included Asia/South Pacific (21), Mexico (18), Europe (17), South and Central America (14), Middle East (3), Australia and New Zealand (3), Caribbean (2), and Africa (1).

Outbreaks of campylobacteriosis are rarely identified. In King County in 2005, an outbreak of campylobacteriosis with four confirmed and ten probable cases was associated with a school camping trip. No specific source was identified, but high-risk activities included consuming raw milk products and contact with farm animals. That same year, another outbreak was associated with consumption of undercooked chicken liver pâté at a restaurant, with seven confirmed cases.