Campylobacter enteritis

Definition:

A swelling in the lining of the small intestine caused by the Campylobacter jejuni bacterium.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Campylobacter enteritis is a common cause of intestinal infection and also a cause of one of the many types of traveler's diarrhea. It is usually acquired by eating or drinking contaminated food such as eggs, poultry, milk, or water. It can also be acquired by close contact with sick people or animals. There is an incubation period of 2 to 4 days before symptoms occur. Symptoms generally last less than 1 week. The incidence is 1 out of 1,000 people. Risk factors include recent family infection with campylobacter, recent consumption of improperly prepared food, or recent travel in an area of poor hygiene or sanitation.