Campylobacteriosis

Campylobacteriosis is a gastroenteritis caused by infection with Campylobacter species—spiral-shaped, "S"-shaped, or curved rod-shaped bacteria. Currently, 17 species and 6 subspecies are assigned to the genus Campylobacter, with C. jejuni (subspecies jejuni) and C. coli being the most frequently reported in human disease ^[2]. Other species such as C. lari and C. upsaliensis have also been isolated from patients with diarrhoeal disease but are reported less frequently ^[2].

The disease typically presents as gastroenteritis with diarrhoeal symptoms. While most cases are self-limiting, clinical signs can range from mild to moderate enteritis. Complications may occur, contributing to the disease's socio-economic burden ^[2][3]. Symptoms of foodborne infections may be mild, sometimes flu-like, but can also be accompanied by severe complications, some even fatal ^[3].

Campylobacter is one of the most common human enteric pathogens in both developed and developing countries. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the reported incidence remained steadily high in developed nations, with Czech Republic reporting the highest incidence worldwide (215 per 100,000 in 2019), followed by Australia (146.8 per 100,000 in 2016) and New Zealand (126.1 per 100,000 in 2019) ^[4]. The dramatic increase in North America, Europe, and Australia is alarming, and data from parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East indicate that campylobacteriosis is endemic in these areas, especially in children ^[1]. The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced the reported incidence of campylobacteriosis in most countries where 2020 data were available ^[4]. Infections are more common in males than females and show seasonal variation in some countries, with higher incidence in summer ^[4].

Campylobacteriosis is a zoonosis transmitted to humans from animals or animal products. Campylobacter species are widely distributed in most warm-blooded animals, prevalent in food animals such as poultry, cattle, pigs, sheep, and ostriches, as well as in pets including cats and dogs, and have also been found in shellfish ^[2][5]. The main route of transmission is foodborne, via undercooked meat and meat products, raw or contaminated milk, and contaminated water or ice ^[2]. A proportion of cases occur following contact with contaminated water during recreational activities ^[2]. Contact with dogs and cats is a recognised risk factor, as they can shed Campylobacter organisms ^[5]. Most often, carcasses or meat are contaminated from faeces during slaughtering ^[2][1].

WHO advocates food safety as essential for ensuring access to safe and nutritious diets, providing policies and recommendations covering the entire food chain from production to consumption ^[2]. Key prevention measures include setting international food safety standards, enhancing disease surveillance, educating consumers, and training food handlers in safe food handling practices ^[2]. Proper cooking of poultry and other meats, pasteurization of milk, and ensuring safe water supplies are critical interventions ^[2]. Strategic implementation of multifaceted biocontrol measures to reduce transmission in food production is paramount ^[1].

1. 1 Kaakoush NO et al. Global Epidemiology of Campylobacter Infection. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2015 Jul. PMID: 26062576. doi: 10.1128/CMR.00006-15. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26062576/
2. 2 World Health Organization. Campylobacter [Internet]. cited 2 Sept 2026. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/campylobacter
3. 3 Chlebicz A et al. Campylobacteriosis, Salmonellosis, Yersiniosis, and Listeriosis as Zoonotic Foodborne Diseases: A Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018 Apr 26. PMID: 29701663. doi: 10.3390/ijerph15050863. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29701663/
4. 4 Liu F et al. Global epidemiology of campylobacteriosis and the impact of COVID-19. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2022. PMID: 36519137. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.979055. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36519137/
5. 5 Acke E et al. Campylobacteriosis in dogs and cats: a review. N Z Vet J. 2018 Sep. PMID: 29756542. doi: 10.1080/00480169.2018.1475268. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29756542/