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Campylobacter Jejuni

 

 

Dr. Mike, 

I took my daughter to the military hospital where I live and she said told me that she had a bacteria. I do not recall the actual name of the bacteria but it sounded a little like clampeobactor or clamobactor. The Dr. said that she got it from another child who may have played with her toys or her hands and then my daughter put them in her mouth. If you have any idea of what it is called please e-mail me back.

 

                                                                                                                           Thank You,
                                                                                                                                    Sara B

 

Hi Ms. B,

The bug is called Campylobacter jejuni, and is the most common cause of bacterial diarrhea in the United States. Diarrhea, cramping, and fever usually last for 2-5 days, and sometimes includes blood in the bowel movement.

Summer is the peak season for the bug. It hits infants commonly because it is easily transmitted from infant to infant, especially if the infant is having a lot of diarrhea. Most cases of campylobacteriosis are associated with handling raw poultry or eating raw or undercooked poultry meat (more that 50% of chicken in the U.S. has Campylobacter on it), contaminated water, unpasteurized milk or from animals that can be infected.

People have acquired their infection from contact with the infected stool of an ill dog or cat. Most cases resolve on their own, and do not need antibiotics. If severe, antibiotics may be indicated.

To help prevent infection, cook poultry to an internal temp of 180 F. Good hygiene can also help prevent infection...wash your hands when dealing with raw chicken or any raw foods, and wash the hands of infants and children who have diarrhea. The good news is that most cases resolve with no problems.

I hope your little one is better soon. Dr. Mike 

 

This article was reviewed 04/23/2010 07:24 AM

 

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