|
What is Campylobacter?
Campylobacter is a gram negative (microaerophilic bacterium) and affects about 2.4 million people every year globally. It is one of the most frequent and common bacteria causes of diarrheal illness and is the second most reported cause of food-borne illnesses. Campylobacter jejuni, which is the most common strand that affects humans, can infect the body without any noticeable symptoms of illness. Who is it Affecting? Everyone can be infected by this bacteria; however infants, children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable. This also includes adults with weakened immune systems such as people with HIV/AIDS, cancer and diabetes. Where Can They Be Found? Campylobacter can be found everywhere, but it is commonly found in the intestinal tract of cats, dogs, poultry, cattle, swine, rodents, monkeys, birds, humans and sometimes untreated water. Infection occurs at the slaughtering of the animal or when edible portions of food come in contact with animal feces. An amount of these bacteria as small as a single drop of fluid has been proven to cause human illness. Why is Campylobacter Jejuni becoming more frequently detected? Although there was a decline by 30% in the reported illness caused by Campylobacter from 1996 to 2004, people are still being infected. Campylobacteriosis is diagnosed in about 20 people out of 100,000 in the United States and had been identified and reported as the second most common bacterial infection. Why is preventing Campylobacter Jejuni important? It is the leading cause to food poisoning in the U.S. It is also the most common cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome, which often leads to paralysis. There are many complications such as arthritis and meningitis. According to a 2011 report, Campylobacter Jejuni causes: - 834,000 illnesses in the U.S. each year - 8,400 hospitalizations in the U.S. each year - 76 deaths in the U.S. each year - With something as low-costing as hand sanitizer to prevent this, families could .save the average $920 families spend on average from each case of Campylobacter Jejuni. - Relapse in 25% of cases - Campylobacter Jejuni is the leading cause of bacterial diarrhea in the U.S. - Fatality Ratio: 1 in every 1,000 people die from contamination with.Campylobacter Jejuni. - Children under 5 and young adults (15-29) are extremely susceptible to contamination. With a low immune system, children may be severely affected. What are the symptoms? - Diarrhea - Fever - Abdomen Pain - Nausea - Headache - Muscle Pain |