Epidemiology of Campylobacter Jejuni Infection

 

 

Epidemiology

 

C. jejuni frequently contaminates raw chicken. Surveys show that 20 to 100% of retail chickens are contaminated. This is not surprising since many healthy chickens carry these bacteria in their GI tract. Raw milk is also a source of infection. The bacteria are often carried by healthy cattle and by flies on the farms. Children under 5 and young adults are more frequently afflicted than other age groups.

 

 

Laboratory diagnosis

 

Isolation of C. jejuni from food is difficult because the bacteria are usually present in very low numbers. A microaerophiliac atmosphere is required with antibiotic-containing selective media.