Campylobacter Jejuni

What is Campylobacter jejuni?

Campylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of bacterial diarrhea in the United States. Although anyone can have a C. jejuni infection, children under five years and young adults (15-29) are more frequently affected than other age groups. Symptoms of diarrhea, fever and vomitting usually occur two to five days after ingestion of the contaminated food or water.

C. jejuni is frequently found in raw chicken. Raw milk is also a source of infection, since the bacteria are often carried by healthy cattle and flies on farms.
Non-chlorinated water may also be a source of contamination. Cook chicken properly and purchase pasterized milk and chlorinated drinking water.

More Information on Campylobacter jejuni:

• Foodborne Pathogenic Microorganisms and Natural Toxins 1992 (Bad Bug Book)

• The National Live Stock and Meat Board
  
  

  Food Safety Project Director

  Catherine H. Strohbehn, PhD, RD, CFSP
  HRIM Extension Specialist
  Adjunct Associate Professor
  Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management
  Iowa State University
  Ames, Iowa, 50011-1121 USA
  Email: cstrohbe@iastate.edu

  
  Consumer and Processing Food Safety and Science

  Sam Beattie, PhD
  Food Safety Extension Specialist
  Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
  Iowa State University Extension
  122A MacKay Hall
  Ames, Iowa, 50011-1121 USA
  Email: beatties@iastate.edu

• Article History
• Revision Date: 8/16/2006