Pathogenesis (development of disease)
Campylobacter belongs to the gram-negative bacteria.
Pathogen reservoirs are many wild and domestic animals. The pathogens can survive in the environment for prolonged periods, especially in cool environments, but cannot multiply outside the host.
Transmission of the pathogen (route of infection) occurs primarily via contaminated food (see “Behavioral causes” below), but also via (diarrheally ill) pets.
Transmission from person to person is also possible.
Entry of the pathogen into the body is enteral (the pathogen enters through the intestine or bacteria as feces enter the body through the mouth), i.e., it is a fecal-oral infection.
Etiology (causes)
Behavioral causes
- Consumption of contaminated food:
- Poultry meat (esp. chicken): including fondue chinoise; where chicken is served at the table and cooked in a hot broth).
- Chicken eggs
- Raw meat products such as minced meat (Mett)
- Raw milk or raw milk cheese
- Drinking water
- Close contact with infected animals
Other causes
- Warm season (high outdoor temperatures)
Medication
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs; acid blockers) – esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole Cave! PPIs resulted in a 3.71-fold risk (inpatients a 4.53-fold risk) of severe intestinal infection with Campylobacter in outpatients.