Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) outbreak

 


Campylobacter jejuni: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Prevention

🦠 What is Campylobacter jejuni?

Campylobacter jejuni is one of the most common bacterial causes of gastroenteritis (diarrheal illness) worldwide. It primarily spreads through contaminated food, water, or contact with infected animals. The infection is often self-limiting but can lead to severe complications in some cases.

📍 Recent Outbreak Alert: Tamil Nadu, India (February 2025)

A recent outbreak of Campylobacter jejuni in Tamil Nadu, India, has raised significant public health concerns. Health authorities reported over 200 confirmed cases linked to the consumption of contaminated water and undercooked poultry from local vendors. Most affected individuals experienced diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever.

🚑 Health officials advise:

  • Avoid consuming food from unhygienic street vendors.

  • Boil drinking water and ensure food is well-cooked.

  • Seek medical attention if you experience persistent gastrointestinal symptoms.

QBA Diagnostics is actively supporting the community with rapid diagnostic services and home sample collection for early detection and management.

🍗 How Does It Spread?

Campylobacter jejuni is typically transmitted through:

  • Consuming undercooked poultry or contaminated meat.

  • Drinking unpasteurized milk or contaminated water.

  • Direct contact with infected animals (particularly poultry and livestock).

  • Cross-contamination in kitchens via cutting boards, utensils, or hands.

🤒 Symptoms of Campylobacter jejuni Infection

Symptoms usually appear 2-5 days after exposure and may include:

  • Watery or bloody diarrhea

  • Abdominal cramps and pain

  • Fever and chills

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • General fatigue and malaise

Most people recover within a week, but dehydration can occur, especially in children and the elderly.

🧬 Pathogenesis: How Does the Infection Occur?

  1. Ingestion: Infection starts by consuming contaminated food or water.

  2. Survival in Stomach Acid: The bacteria survive stomach acidity to reach the intestines.

  3. Colonization: Using flagella, the bacteria move through the intestinal mucus and adhere to the epithelial cells.

  4. Invasion: They disrupt cell junctions, causing intestinal damage and inflammation.

  5. Toxin Production: C. jejuni releases toxins like CDT, which damage host cells, leading to diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.

  6. Complications: In rare cases, it can trigger autoimmune conditions like Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), reactive arthritis, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

🧪 Laboratory Diagnosis

If you experience persistent symptoms, laboratory testing can confirm the diagnosis:

  • Stool Culture: Gold standard for detecting C. jejuni.

  • PCR Testing: Rapid detection with high sensitivity and specificity.

  • Blood Tests: Useful for severe or systemic infections.

  • Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing: Helps guide antibiotic treatment when necessary.

🛡️ Prevention Tips

✅ Food Safety:

  • Cook poultry thoroughly.

  • Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meats.

  • Use separate cutting boards for meats and vegetables.

  • Drink only pasteurized milk and safe water.

✅ Personal Hygiene:

  • Wash hands with soap after handling raw meat or using the restroom.

  • Maintain cleanliness in the kitchen to prevent cross-contamination.

✅ Environmental Measures:

  • Ensure clean water supply.

  • Maintain proper sanitation and waste disposal.

✅ Travel Precautions (Considering Outbreaks):

  • Drink bottled or boiled water when traveling to affected areas.

  • Avoid raw street foods and unclean eateries.

🏥 Why Timely Diagnosis Matters

Early diagnosis can:

  • Prevent severe dehydration.

  • Identify potential complications like Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) early.

  • Ensure timely and appropriate treatment.

QBA Diagnostics offers comprehensive stool PCR tests, blood panels, and home sample collection services for quick and accurate diagnosis.

📢 When to See a Doctor:

Seek medical attention if you experience:

  • Persistent diarrhea lasting more than 3 days.

  • High fever (above 101°F/38.5°C).

  • Bloody stools.

  • Signs of dehydration (dizziness, dry mouth, low urine output).

🚀 QBA Diagnostics: Your Trusted Health Partner

At QBA Diagnostics, we prioritize your health with:

  • Accurate and timely diagnostic tests.

  • Home sample collection for convenience.

  • Expert consultation to guide your treatment plan.

Stay informed, stay healthy! Contact QBA Diagnostics for reliable diagnostic solutions.

Location: W6JP+G2C, Muttukkaranchavadi, Thoraipakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600097, India

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