Campylobacter Infection Transmitted By Dogs
There are many diseases that can be transmitted from our pets so we need to be well informed. In our article we explain more about the infection by Campylobacter, a bacteria that is present in dogs and can cause diarrhea in us, among other things.
What do you need to know about Campylobacter infection?
One of the main causes of diarrhea is Campylobacter infection , which is one of the most common foodborne illnesses. It affects millions of people every year, especially babies, teenagers and young adults who live in unsanitary conditions.
The genus Campylobacter consists of various bacteria (such as jejuni , coli and fetus) that are common in livestock and domestic animals.
These elongated microorganisms require little oxygen to survive and do not move on their own. They settle in the intestines and are excreted with the feces.
Contagion results from ingesting water or food contaminated by the bacteria. You can also get infected by coming into contact with the feces left over from an infected person, such as a mother changing her baby.
What are the symptoms of Campylobacter infection?
The main symptoms begin about 2 days after the bacterium enters the organism. The diseases that are caused by them can be divided into two groups:
1. Intestinal diseases
This is caused by two types of bacteria: Campylobacter Coli and Jejuni. You can cure it in 10 days. The most famous symptom is diarrhea. Inflammation of the intestines, fever, abdominal pain, headache, nausea, vomiting and general malaise can also occur.
2. Extraintestinal diseases
These are mainly caused by the Campylobacter fetus bacteria. Although they are less common, they are more serious. They affect the heart and blood vessels and can cause inflammation of the lining of the heart and pericardium.
These bacteria can also cause a neurological disease called Guillain-Barré syndrome, urinary tract infections, pancreatitis, and arthritis.
Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Campylobacter infection
If you identify any of the symptoms mentioned above, and if you are aware that you have been in contact with a farm animal or pet – especially their feces – you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Some doctors will order a blood test to see if there are changes in white blood cells or in the pH of the blood. You can also have a stool sample or a blood culture done.
If a diagnosis of Campylobacter infection has been made, the doctor must prescribe treatment. Since diarrhea causes a lack of fluids, it is important to consume isotonic drinks in order to give the organism back lost water and electrolytes.
It is not recommended to eat solid foods for the first four days. Then you should consume small amounts of astringent food: potatoes, rusks, rice, grilled chicken or fish.
Treatment with antibiotics or antimicrobial drugs may also be prescribed for severe cases.
The prognosis is good for most patients and they recover within 10 days. However, one must consider that children under two years of age, old and immunocompromised people belong to risk groups.
Can you prevent infection by keeping pets? Of course you can. Hygiene is fundamental, which is why you should wash your hands after playing with the dog or removing its faeces.
You also have to disinfect all utensils that could have come into contact with the animal’s feces, wash our food thoroughly, do not drink water from rivers when on vacation and avoid consuming unpasteurized dairy products.
