Campylobacteriosis
摘要
Campylobacter is an important foodborne enteropathogen responsible for causing acute gastroenteritis in humans, often with symptoms like watery or bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain, headache, fever, chills, and dysentery. This condition is referred to as Campylobacteriosis. Campylobacter species are a common cause of bacterial foodborne and waterborne infections worldwide. It can be found in gastrointestinal tracts of animals and birds, making it relatively easy for contamination to occur in the food chain, especially through undercooked poultry. Infections are more common in children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, such as immunocompromised individuals. The symptoms of Campylobacter infection can vary from mild to severe and may include diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. In some cases, the diarrhoea may be bloody. While Campylobacter is primarily associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, it has been reported to cause various systemic infections, including septic thrombophlebitis, endocarditis, neonatal sepsis, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections. These are relatively rare but can occur, especially in vulnerable individuals. There is a significant association between Campylobacter infection and neurological complications. Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS), Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), and severe demyelinating neuropathy have been linked to Campylobacter infection. This can result in serious nerve damage and muscle weakness. Campylobacter has been associated with conditions such as colorectal cancer, Barrett’s oesophagus, Reiter’s arthritis, and irritable bowel syndrome. However, the precise mechanisms of these associations are not yet fully understood. In addition to gastrointestinal and systemic infections, Campylobacter has been reported to cause extraintestinal infections such as brain abscesses, meningitis, lung infections, bacteraemia, and reactive arthritis. Campylobacter species have also been reported to be associated with extraintestinal infections such as brain abscesses, meningitis, lung infections, bacteraemia, and reactive arthritis.