Synonyms
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In animals: Vibriosis, Vibrionic or epizootic abortion, Winter dysentery
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In humans: Travelers' diarrhoea
Type of zoonosis
Definition
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Campylobacteriosis is a most common bacterial infection of humans. It is usually a brief, self-limiting disease. The sites of tissue injury include the jejunum, the ileum and the colon. The symptoms include acute gastrointestinal diarrhoea with or without blood, fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, malaise, headache, muscle and joint pain.
Etiology
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Campylobacter fetus sub species jejuni (previously known as Vibrio fetus).
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It is a Gram negative, microaerophilic, curved or spiral and motile rod and non-spore-forming.
Reservoir and incidence
Transmission
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Faecal-oral transmission.
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Transmission of ingestion of contaminated raw milk, undercooked chicken or other contaminated food.
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Direct contact with infected faecal material.
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Person-to-person transmission by direct contact.
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Houseflies mechanically spread this infection.
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Organism is viable at 40°C for 3 weeks in faeces and milk, 4 weeks in water and 5 weeks in urine.
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Campylobacter is shed in the faeces for at least 6 weeks after infection.
Disease in animals
- Mode of transmission is by oral route or venereal route.
- In all animals, clinical infection may be associated with diarrhoea.
- In poultry it causes hepatitis.
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Cattle: Genital infection results in infertility and early embryonic death or abortion. Repeat breeding problem may occur. Infected bulls may appears to be normal, but act as carriers.
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Sheep: It causes foetal death and abortion at last month of pregnancy. Metritis and placentitis may occur. Abortion in ewes may not abort in subsequent pregnancies at least for 3 years, since infected ewes acquire immunity.
Disease in man
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The infectious dose is 1000-10,000 bacteria.
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Incubation period is 1 to 7 days. It is usually a brief, self-limiting disease.
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The sites of tissue injury include the jejunum, the ileum and the colon. The symptoms include acute gastrointestinal diarrhoea with or without blood, fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, malaise, headache, muscle and joint pain.
Diagnosis
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Dark field or phase contrast microscopic examination of faecal material.
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Confirmatory diagnosis by stool culture.
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Gram staining or Warthin Starry staining of stool and microscopic examination.
Treatment
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Animals should be treated based on culture and sensitivity.
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Erythromycin is the drug of choice, but does not eliminate the carrier state. Tetracycline or ciprofloxacin may also be given.
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Campylobacter spp. are sensitive to hydrochloric acid in the stomach, and acid reduction treatment can reduce the amount of inoculum needed to cause disease.
Prevention and control
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Pasteurization of milk and chlorination of drinking water destroy the organism.
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Thorough cooking of foods of animal sources, particularly poultry.
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Personal hygiene. Washing of hands after handling poultry and animal faeces.
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Public health awareness about Campylobacter is of primary importance.
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Recognition, prevention and control of Campylobacter infections among domestic animals and pets.
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