What are the symptoms of Campylobacter infection?
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Symptoms of Campylobacter Infection
Common Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Diarrhea and Loose Stools
Diarrhea is one of the most frequently reported symptoms of Campylobacter infection, often accompanied by loose stools. Studies indicate that diarrhea can be severe and may include bloody stools in some cases . In a large outbreak in Askøy, Norway, 88.9% of cases reported diarrhea, with 14.2% experiencing bloody stools.
Abdominal Pain and Cramps
Abdominal pain is another prevalent symptom, reported by 89.3% of cases in the Askøy outbreak. This pain can range from mild discomfort to severe cramps, significantly impacting the patient's quality of life .
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are also common symptoms, although they are less frequently reported compared to diarrhea and abdominal pain. These symptoms contribute to the overall discomfort and malaise experienced by infected individuals.
Systemic Symptoms
Fever
Fever is a common systemic symptom, reported by 63.8% of cases in the Askøy outbreak. Fever often accompanies other symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain, indicating the body's response to the bacterial infection.
Tiredness and Malaise
Tiredness or fatigue is the most commonly reported symptom, affecting 91.2% of cases in the Askøy outbreak. Malaise, a general feeling of discomfort or unease, is also frequently observed, contributing to the overall severity of the illness.
Less Common Symptoms
Joint Pain
Joint pain is a notable symptom that can occur during or after the infection. In the Askøy outbreak, 50.2% of cases reported joint pain. Another study found that 16% of patients with Campylobacter infection experienced joint symptoms, which were more severe in those with longer durations of diarrhea.
Bloody Stools
While not as common as other symptoms, bloody stools are a significant indicator of Campylobacter infection. This symptom was reported by 14.2% of cases in the Askøy outbreak and is more frequently observed in severe cases .
Post-Infection Complications
Post-Infection Irritable Bowel Syndrome (PI-IBS)
A significant number of patients develop post-infection irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) following a Campylobacter infection. In a study conducted in Minnesota, 21% of respondents developed PI-IBS, with symptoms like mixed IBS or diarrhea of moderate severity.
Reactive Arthritis and Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Reactive arthritis and Guillain-Barré Syndrome are rare but serious complications that can develop after a Campylobacter infection. These conditions are more likely to occur in individuals with severe or prolonged symptoms .
Conclusion
Campylobacter infection primarily manifests through gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea. Systemic symptoms like fever and tiredness are also common. While most cases resolve without severe complications, some individuals may develop post-infection conditions like PI-IBS or reactive arthritis. Understanding these symptoms can aid in timely diagnosis and effective management of the infection.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Clinical features of gastroenteritis during a large waterborne Campylobacter outbreak in Askøy, Norway
Characteristics and Risk Factors of Post-infection Irritable Bowel Syndrome Following Campylobacter Enteritis.
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A systematic review and meta-analysis reveal that Campylobacter spp. and antibiotic resistance are widespread in humans in sub-Saharan Africa
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Comparison of rheumatological and gastrointestinal symptoms after infection with Campylobacter jejuni/coli and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
Unusual presentation of Campylobacter diarrhea in a 12-week-old infant: a case report
A meta-analysis on the effects of antibiotic treatment on duration of symptoms caused by infection with Campylobacter species.
Campylobacter enteritis: clinical and epidemiologic features.
Infections with Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter-like organisms in homosexual men.
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