Campylobacter jejuni
Campylobacter jejuni: A Common Culprit Behind Food Poisoning
Ever experienced a nasty bout of food poisoning? Chances are, Campylobacter jejuni might have been the uninvited guest at your digestive system‘s party. This spiral-shaped bacterium is one of the leading causes of foodborne illness worldwide. But what exactly is it, and how does it wreak havoc on our bodies?
Campylobacter jejuni: The Basics
C. jejuni is a type of bacteria that thrives in the intestines of animals, particularly poultry. It can also be found in untreated water and unpasteurized milk. Unfortunately, it has a knack for making its way into our food supply, often through contaminated meat and poultry products.
How Does Campylobacter jejuni Affect Us?
When we ingest C. jejuni, it can cause an infection known as campylobacteriosis. This usually manifests as an unpleasant mix of symptoms, including:
- Diarrhea (often bloody)
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Muscle pain
In most cases, campylobacteriosis is self-limiting, meaning it resolves on its own within a week or two. However, in some instances, it can lead to more severe complications, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare but serious neurological disorder.
Did You Know?
C. jejuni is a finicky bacterium. It requires a specific environment to thrive, including low oxygen levels and a temperature around 42°C (107.6°F) – which happens to be the average body temperature of birds.
