Campylobacter Jejuni

What is Campylobacter jejuni?

Campylobacter jejuni is the leading cause of bacterial diarrhea in the United States. Although anyone can have a C. jejuni infection, children under five years and young adults (15-29) are more frequently affected than other age groups. Symptoms of diarrhea, fever and vomitting usually occur two to five days after ingestion of the contaminated food or water.

C. jejuni is frequently found in raw chicken. Raw milk is also a source of infection, since the bacteria are often carried by healthy cattle and flies on farms.
Non-chlorinated water may also be a source of contamination. Cook chicken properly and purchase pasterized milk and chlorinated drinking water.

More Information on Campylobacter jejuni:

• Foodborne Pathogenic Microorganisms and Natural Toxins 1992 (Bad Bug Book)

Food Safety Project Director
Catherine H. Strohbehn, PhD, RD, CFSP
HRIM Extension Specialist
Adjunct Associate Professor
Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management
Iowa State University

Consumer and Processing Food Safety and Science
Sam Beattie, PhD
Food Safety Extension Specialist
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
Iowa State University Extension

• Article History
• Revision Date: 8/18/2009