What Is a Campylobacter Infection? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Explained
Updated: 3 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick Answer: What is a Campylobacter infection?
A Campylobacter infection is a bacterial stomach illness that typically causes diarrhea, sometimes bloody, with cramping, fever and vomiting for about five to seven days. [4] It spreads mainly through undercooked poultry, raw milk and untreated water. [4] Most people recover with rest and fluids. [4] A fever over 103°F, confusion or shortness of breath can signal sepsis and needs emergency care. [4]
Key takeaways
A Campylobacter infection is caused by bacteria — not a virus — and is one of the most common causes of diarrhea worldwide. [2]
The most common culprit is C. jejuni, a species from a genus of more than 20 Campylobacter bacteria. [4]
Researchers estimate about 1.5 million infections occur each year in the U.S., and they are more common in summer. [4]
Symptoms appear two to five days after exposure and usually last five to seven days. [4]
Diarrhea that may contain blood is sometimes the only symptom in infants. [4]
Most people recover fully without treatment; the priority is drinking fluids and replacing electrolytes. [4]
Complications can include irritable bowel syndrome, reactive arthritis, and — rarely — Guillain-Barré syndrome. [4]
Prevention centers on cooking poultry thoroughly, choosing pasteurized dairy, drinking clean water, and washing hands. [4]
What the research says
Campylobacter is one of the most widespread infections of the last century, and poultry is a major source. A global review reports that the incidence and prevalence of campylobacteriosis have increased in both developed and developing countries over the last 10 years, that poultry is a major reservoir and source of transmission to humans, and that other risk factors include eating animal products, drinking contaminated water, contact with animals, and international travel (Kaakoush et al., Clin Microbiol Rev, 2015) [1].
C. jejuni is the species behind most human illness, and the infection can have effects beyond the gut. A review from the CDC's enteric diseases laboratory notes that Campylobacter remains one of the most common bacterial causes of diarrheal illness in the United States and worldwide, that C. jejuni is the species most often linked to human illness, and that infection can cause acute enteritis, extraintestinal infections, and postinfectious complications (Fitzgerald, Clin Lab Med, 2015) [2].
Bacteria cause about 10–15% of diarrhea episodes in wealthier countries, and antibiotics are used selectively. A review of bacterial diarrhoea reports that bacterial pathogens cause approximately 10–15% of episodes in upper-middle and high-income countries, most often Shigella, nontyphoidal Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli; multidrug-resistant Campylobacter strains have emerged globally. Management centers on fluid and electrolyte replacement, with antibiotics for children who have moderate-to-severe illness or are at high risk (Kotloff, Curr Opin Pediatr, 2022) [3].
What Is a Campylobacter Infection?
A Campylobacter infection — medically known as campylobacteriosis — is a common stomach bug. It happens when Campylobacter bacteria enter your digestive system and make you sick. In most cases, the bacteria come from something you eat or drink, which is why many people call it food poisoning. But the germs can also spread through contact with infected animals. [4]
The infection typically produces four hallmark symptoms:
Diarrhea
Stomach cramping
Vomiting
Fever
Most people feel sick for about five to seven days and then recover fully without any medical treatment. [4] At home, the best self-care is simple: rest and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. [4]
How common is it?
Campylobacter infections are very common in both children and adults. They rank among the top causes of diarrhea in people of all ages, in the U.S. and globally. [2] Researchers estimate that about 1.5 million Campylobacter infections occur each year in the U.S., and they show up more often in summer than in winter. [4]
Campylobacter vs. stomach flu: what's the difference?
People often use the term "stomach bug" for both conditions, and the symptoms overlap. But Campylobacter is a bacterial infection, not a virus. The distinction matters because antibiotics can treat bacteria — they do nothing against viral stomach flu.
Symptoms: What Campylobacter Infection Feels Like
Campylobacter symptoms usually begin two to five days after exposure to the bacteria and last for about a week. [4] The core symptoms are diarrhea, stomach cramping, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Notably, diarrhea that may contain blood can be the only symptom in infants. [4]
Because stomach bugs cause fluid loss, dehydration is the main concern to watch for. The warning signs differ slightly by age group.
Who | Dehydration warning signs |
Older children and adults | Feeling very thirsty, not peeing often, skin that's warm to the touch |
Babies and toddlers | Peeing less than normal, fewer or no tears when crying, lack of interest in playing, excessive sleepiness |
Causes: How Do You Get Campylobacter?
Campylobacter bacteria cause the infection. The genus contains more than 20 species, but not all of them can make humans sick. [4] Two species account for most cases:
Species | Role |
Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) | The species most likely to make you sick; the leading cause of human infections |
Campylobacter coli (C. coli) | The next most common species causing infection |
How the bacteria reach you
Campylobacter bacteria spread to humans mostly through contaminated food and water. [4] The three most common routes are:
Common source | How the bacteria get in |
Unpasteurized (raw) milk | Bacteria enter the milk through trace amounts of manure or when a cow has an udder infection |
Undercooked poultry | Includes chicken, turkey, duck, and goose — eating meat that isn't fully cooked |
Untreated water | For instance, drinking from contaminated streams or wells |
Less common routes also exist. You can become sick by eating food that touched raw poultry or its juices — like lettuce prepared on a cutting board with traces of raw chicken juice. [4] Other less common routes include eating other types of meat or seafood that aren't fully cooked, eating contaminated fruits or vegetables, or contact with the poop of infected animals, including household pets. [4]
Is it contagious?
Yes — but human-to-human spread is less common than foodborne spread. [4] The bacteria live in your poop, and from there they can spread from your hands to other people. If someone touches a contaminated surface and then touches their mouth, they might get sick. Washing your hands well after using the bathroom is the key defense.
Note worth remembering: One single drop of raw poultry juice can carry enough bacteria to make you sick. [4] That's why careful kitchen habits matter so much with chicken.
When can you return to work or school?
It's generally safe to return once the diarrhea goes away and your stool becomes solid. [4] Your healthcare provider is the best person to confirm how soon you or your child can return to normal activities. If you handle food or work in healthcare, you may need to stay home until all your symptoms are gone to avoid getting others sick. [4]
Complications: When Campylobacter Causes More Trouble
Most Campylobacter infections pass without long-term consequences. But the infection can lead to complications in some people:
Complication | What to know |
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) | Ongoing digestive symptoms can develop after the infection |
Reactive arthritis | Joint inflammation triggered by the infection |
Guillain-Barré syndrome | A rare but serious nerve condition linked to the infection |
Bloodstream infection (bacteremia) | People with a weakened immune system are at higher risk |
A bloodstream infection can lead to sepsis — a dangerous immune reaction and a medical emergency. [4] Go to an emergency room immediately if you develop any of these signs:
A fever over 103°F (39.4°C) [4]
Confusion or disorientation
Fast heart rate
Shortness of breath
Extreme pain or discomfort
Diagnosis: How Doctors Identify Campylobacter
The most common test is a stool test. Your provider sends a sample of your stool to a lab, where technicians test it for bacteria. [4] Rarely, providers order a blood test to check whether the bacteria have spread into your bloodstream — this becomes important when sepsis is a concern. [4]
Treatment: What to Do When You Have Campylobacter
Most people don't need any treatment for a Campylobacter infection. It simply runs its course, which takes about one week. [4] Your main job at home is to avoid dehydration:
Self-care step | Why it helps |
Drink plenty of fluids | Replaces water lost through diarrhea and vomiting |
Replenish electrolytes, possibly with a sports drink | Restores the salts and minerals your body loses with fluids |
When antibiotics are used
Healthcare providers sometimes prescribe antibiotics for people at risk of getting very sick. [4] These higher-risk groups include people who:
Are over age 65
Are pregnant
Have a weakened immune system
When to call your provider
Most people recover fine without medical care. But you should call your provider if you're pregnant, over 65, or have a weakened immune system — they'll discuss your complication risk and whether you need treatment. You should also call if you feel like you're not getting better after about a week. [4]
Outlook: What to Expect
A Campylobacter infection can make you quite sick. But your symptoms should go away in five to seven days, and most people have no complications or long-term issues. [4] If you do develop complications, your healthcare provider will explain what you can expect going forward.
Prevention: How to Avoid Campylobacter
You can't always prevent infections like Campylobacter. But there's a lot you can do in daily life to lower your risk and keep your family healthy.
Prevention step | The details |
Be careful in the kitchen | Follow food safety guidelines; Campylobacter commonly lives on raw poultry, and even one drop of raw poultry juice can make you sick |
Thoroughly cook meat and seafood | Cooking to the proper temperature kills Campylobacter; avoid raw fish entirely if you're pregnant, over 65, or have a weakened immune system |
Choose pasteurized dairy | Unpasteurized milk is a leading cause; check labels on dairy products — including soft cheeses — for the word "pasteurized" |
Drink clean water | Bacteria can contaminate water even when it looks clean; verify well water is bacteria-free; ask your provider about water safety when traveling |
Wash your hands | Wash before preparing food, after using the bathroom, and after changing a baby's diaper |
Preventing Campylobacter when you have a pet
Pets can spread germs just like humans do. Cats, dogs, and other common pets sometimes carry Campylobacter bacteria. Wash your hands after touching your pet, touching their food, water, bed, or toys, and after cleaning up their poop, pee, or vomit. [4]
Conclusion
A Campylobacter infection is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in the world, and most of us have experienced something like it. The good news is that it usually resolves on its own within a week with nothing more than rest and fluids. The real wins come from prevention: cooking poultry thoroughly, choosing pasteurized dairy, drinking clean water, and washing your hands — especially around pets. If you're in a high-risk group or you're not improving after a week, talk to a healthcare provider before things get complicated.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Campylobacter infection?
A Campylobacter infection (campylobacteriosis) is a common bacterial stomach illness that causes diarrhea, stomach cramping, fever, and vomiting. [4] It's one of the most common causes of diarrhea worldwide. [2]
What causes a Campylobacter infection?
Campylobacter bacteria cause it. The most common species is C. jejuni, followed by C. coli, from a genus of more than 20 species. [4]
Is Campylobacter a virus?
No. Campylobacter is a bacterial infection, not a virus. [4] Antibiotics can treat it; antivirals cannot.
How is Campylobacter different from stomach flu?
Both cause similar symptoms, but stomach flu is viral while Campylobacter is bacterial. The bacteria usually come from food or water rather than person-to-person viral spread.
How do you get a Campylobacter infection?
Most people get it from drinking unpasteurized (raw) milk, eating undercooked poultry (chicken, turkey, duck, goose), or drinking untreated water. Less common routes include cross-contaminated food, undercooked seafood, contaminated produce, and contact with infected animal poop — including pets. [4]
How common is Campylobacter infection?
Researchers estimate about 1.5 million infections occur each year in the U.S. Cases are more common in summer than in winter. [4]
What are the symptoms of a Campylobacter infection?
Diarrhea (which may contain blood), stomach cramping, fever, nausea, and vomiting. In infants, bloody diarrhea may be the only symptom. [4]
How long after exposure do symptoms appear?
Symptoms usually begin about two to five days after exposure to the bacteria. [4]
How long does a Campylobacter infection last?
Most people feel sick for about five to seven days, and the infection runs its course in about one week. [4]
Can Campylobacter infection be bloody?
Yes. Diarrhea may contain blood, and in infants this can be the only symptom. [4]
Is Campylobacter contagious?
Campylobacter can be. The bacteria live in stool and can spread from hands or contaminated surfaces to another person's mouth. But human-to-human spread is less common than getting sick from food or water. [4]
Can pets give you Campylobacter?
Yes. Cats, dogs, and other common pets sometimes carry the bacteria. Wash hands after touching your pet, their belongings, or their waste. [4]
What are dehydration warning signs in adults?
Feeling very thirsty, not peeing often, and skin that's warm to the touch. [4]
What are dehydration warning signs in babies and toddlers?
Peeing less than normal, fewer or no tears when crying, lack of interest in playing, and excessive sleepiness. [4]
How is Campylobacter diagnosed?
Most often with a stool test: a sample is sent to a lab and tested for bacteria. Rarely, a blood test checks whether the bacteria spread to the bloodstream. [4]
How is a Campylobacter infection treated?
Most people need no treatment — it runs its course in about a week. Drink plenty of fluids and replenish electrolytes, possibly with a sports drink. [4]
Do I need antibiotics for Campylobacter?
Usually not. Providers sometimes prescribe antibiotics for people at higher risk: those over age 65, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems. [4]
When should I see a doctor for Campylobacter?
Call your provider if you're pregnant, over 65, or immunocompromised, or if you're not improving after about a week. Go to the ER immediately for signs of sepsis: fever over 103°F (39.4°C), confusion, fast heart rate, shortness of breath, or extreme pain. [4]
What complications can Campylobacter cause?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), reactive arthritis, and — rarely — Guillain-Barré syndrome. People with weakened immune systems risk bloodstream infection (bacteremia), which can lead to sepsis. [4]
Is Guillain-Barré syndrome common after Campylobacter?
Guillain-Barré syndrome is rare. Most people who get Campylobacter have no complications or long-term issues. [4]
When can I return to work or school after Campylobacter?
Generally, once diarrhea stops and stool becomes solid. Food handlers and healthcare workers may need to stay home until all symptoms are gone. [4]
How do I prevent a Campylobacter infection?
Cook poultry, meat, and seafood thoroughly; choose pasteurized dairy (check soft cheese labels); drink clean, treated water; wash hands before cooking, after the bathroom, and after changing diapers; and wash hands after contact with pets and their belongings. [4]
Can I get Campylobacter from salad?
Getting Campylobacter from salad is possible but less common. Salad greens or other foods prepared on surfaces with traces of raw poultry juice can become contaminated. [4] Kitchen separation and handwashing prevent this.
Why is raw milk risky for Campylobacter?
Bacteria can enter milk through trace amounts of manure or when a cow has an udder infection. Unpasteurized milk is a leading cause of infection — look for "pasteurized" on labels. [4]
What's the outlook for Campylobacter infection?
Very good. Symptoms go away in five to seven days, and most people recover fully with no long-term issues. [4]
Related Reading
References
Kaakoush NO, Castaño-Rodríguez N, Mitchell HM, et al. Global Epidemiology of Campylobacter Infection. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2015;28(3):687-720. PMID: 26062576. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.00006-15
Fitzgerald C. Campylobacter. Clin Lab Med. 2015;35(2):289-298. PMID: 26004643. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cll.2015.03.001
Kotloff KL. Bacterial diarrhoea. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2022;34(2):147-155. PMID: 35165210. https://doi.org/10.1097/MOP.0000000000001107
Cleveland Clinic. Campylobacter Infection (Campylobacteriosis). Cleveland Clinic. Last updated May 19, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15251-campylobacter-infection
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment, and decisions about your health.
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