Bacteria · Digestive
Campylobacter
Campylobacteriosis
The short answer
Campylobacter is a group of bacteria that can cause diarrhoea. Undercooked poultry is an important source, but not the only one.
Transmission and timing
Raw meat can contaminate other foods through boards and knives. Unpasteurized milk, untreated water and animal contact are also relevant exposures.
CDC ↗Symptoms and risk groups
Diarrhoea, fever and cramps may occur; diarrhoea can be bloody. Joint or neurological complications can develop after infection in some people.
CDC ↗When to seek help
Assessment is needed for bloody diarrhoea, dehydration or marked deterioration. New muscle weakness or difficulty walking needs urgent medical attention.
CDC ↗For life-threatening symptoms, severe breathing difficulty or altered consciousness, call your local emergency number (112 in Türkiye).
What does the test show?
Stool testing can identify the pathogen. Culture can provide susceptibility information when needed; molecular positivity does not always provide it.
CDC ↗Care and treatment approach
Most patients recover without antibiotics. Fluids matter; a clinician assesses antibiotic need in severe illness or special-risk situations.
CDC ↗Prevention and everyday life
Prevent cross-contamination from raw poultry to ready-to-eat food. Use safe water and pasteurized milk; wash hands after animal contact.
CDC ↗Clinical assessment note
Ask about travel and animal exposure. If antibiotics are needed, consider local resistance and laboratory data rather than applying one international regimen to everyone.
CDC ↗Bring a question to your appointment
Are antibiotics needed, and could susceptibility information change the choice?
International evidence, local decisions
Each source’s country is identified. Vaccine access, reimbursement, isolation and reporting rules vary. Use current guidance and your clinician’s advice in your country; English does not imply UK or US eligibility.
Sources and supporting evidence
- CDC · About Campylobacter infection ↗
Country context: United States · Source checked: · Source date: 2026-08-12
- CDC · Clinical overview of Campylobacter ↗
Country context: United States · Source checked:
Related topics
Version and change history
- Written by
- Doktorclub editorial team
- Medically reviewed
- Dr. Murat Toktamışoğlu
- Reviewed on
- 14 October 2026
- Next review
- 14 April 2027
- Version
- 1.0.0
- — Medical and language review completed for this language version.
- — First sourced draft prepared; medical review pending.
Doktorclub editorial content · Prepared with AI assistance and reviewed for medical accuracy and language. Information supports, but does not replace, clinical assessment. This guide does not diagnose or create a personal medication plan. Report a content correction · Editorial standards