How common is campylobacter infection?

In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that Campylobacter is one of the four global causes of diarrheal diseases, affecting millions yearly.¹

Campylobacter infections, while typically causing symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhoea, can be particularly dangerous for people with weaker immune systems, such as young children and the elderly.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that Campylobacter causes 1.5 million illnesses each year in the United States alone.²

Campylobacter infection 

Campylobacter is a genus of bacteria with many different species known to cause illness in humans. The most common infectious species is Campylobacter jejuni, responsible for about 90% of human Campylobacter infections.³ These bacteria can be found in the intestines of animals, especially poultry birds' meat and can spread to humans through contaminated food or even direct contact with animals and water.

The symptoms of campylobacteriosis, the illness caused by Campylobacter infection, usually appear 2-5 days after exposure to the bacteria and can last about a week. Although most people recover without specific treatment, the infection can sometimes lead to severe complications. 

For example, about 1 in 1,000 people infected with Campylobacter develop Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause paralysis.²

Diet and risk of infection susceptibility  

The link between our diet and susceptibility to Campylobacter is complex but crucial. Different nutrients affect our body's ability to fight this pathogen in various ways. How? 

Proteins and amino acids

Not having enough protein in a daily diet has been shown to weaken immune responses, increasing infection risk.⁴

Protein sources like

• Lean meats Fish
• Legumes

A study by Prendergast has also found that not receiving all the required nutrients impacts how vaccinations work and also suggested to have an impact on immune function.⁵

Specific amino acids, such as glutamine, help maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier, which is our first line of defence against pathogens like Campylobacter.

Research by Ruth and Field demonstrated that certain amino acids have immune-modulating effects on gut-associated lymphoid tissue, which is important for our intestinal immune responses.⁶

Vitamins and minerals

Several vitamins and minerals influence our immune response and susceptibility to infections like campylobacteriosis.

Vitamin A deficiency, for example, can increase susceptibility to various infections, including Campylobacter.⁷ This vitamin is crucial for maintaining the health of our digestive tract's lining. A review by Stephensen demonstrated vitamin A's critical role in regulating innate and adaptive immune responses.⁸

Vitamin D helps to regulate inflammatory responses. A good inflammatory response is exactly what our body requires in the case of campylobacteriosis. A study by Aranow found that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased autoimmunity and susceptibility to infection.⁹

Zinc deficiency has been linked to increased susceptibility to pathogens; zinc supplementation has also shown improvement and reduced the duration and severity of diarrheal diseases.¹⁰ Prasad's research demonstrated that zinc affects multiple aspects of the immune system, from the skin barrier to gene regulation in immune cells.¹¹

Probiotics and gut health

• A 2013 study found that certain strains of Lactobacillus, a beneficial bacteria found in many probiotic foods, could inhibit the growth of Campylobacterjejuni in laboratory conditions.¹² This suggests that consuming probiotic-rich foods like:
  • Kefir
  • Sauerkraut
  • Yoghurt 

These can help bolster our gut's natural defences. Bacteria in our gut can also help boost our immune responses. Research has shown that a diverse and balanced gut microbiome can reduce the risk of various gastrointestinal infections.¹³

Antioxidants and polyphenols

Antioxidants and polyphenols, which can be found abundantly in 

• Fruits, Spices
• Vegetables
• Green tea
• Dark chocolate
• GG yolks

Polyphenols are food for gut bacteria, and they have been studied for their potential to boost immune function and reduce inflammation. Therefore, these foods are likely to reduce gut inflammation caused by campylobacter. 

Also, a study by Shaheen et al. found that certain polyphenols extracted from berry pomace demonstrated antibacterial effects against Campylobacter jejuni.¹⁴ This suggests that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may provide some protection against Campylobacter infections.

Hydration

Hydration is crucial for overall health and immune function. It's interesting to know that our body requires water to function, especially the gut bacteria, the little organisms that provide energy for our cells and can boost our immune system. A review by Popkin et al. highlighted the numerous health benefits of proper hydration, including its role in supporting immune function.¹⁵ While there's no direct evidence linking hydration status to Campylobacter susceptibility,  Drinking enough water is important in supporting our body's defence mechanisms. 

How to minimise the risk of infection by campylobacter

The European Food Safety Authority suggested that cooking poultry properly and avoiding cross-contamination in the kitchen are the best ways to prevent infection.¹⁶

Food safety practices

• Avoid cross-contamination between raw meats and other foods, and practice good hygiene in the kitchen
• Choose and Prepare Foods Wisely: Raw or undercooked poultry is a major source of Campylobacter infection choose pasteurised dairy products and properly wash fruits and vegetables

Boost immune health 

• Add a variety of nutrient-rich foods to your diet, including lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fermented foods, nuts, and seeds

Treatment

Replacing fluids using oral or intravenous methods depending on severity.¹⁷ Doctors may also prescribe antibiotics like azithromycin for severe cases.¹⁸ Probiotics might help, though more research is needed.¹⁹ Over-the-counter medicines can manage symptoms, but caution is needed with severe diarrhoea.²⁰ In serious cases, hospital care may be required.²¹

FAQs

1. What foods fight Campylobacter? 

 No food directly fights it, but a balanced diet supports your immune system^7,9,11,12

• How does Campylobacter spread? 

Usually through undercooked chicken, contaminated water, or contact with infected animals.²

• Do probiotics help? 

They may help, but more research is needed. They're good for overall gut health^12,13

• How long does infection last? 

Typically about a week.²

• What complications can Campylobacter cause? 
  • Guillain-Barré syndrome (a rare nerve disorder)
  • Reactive arthritis (joint pain and swelling)
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Bloodstream infections (in severe cases)

Summary 

There might not be a specific food to fight Campylobacter directly. However, when our body encounters an infection caused by a pathogen, we require a good immune response to win the battle and disarm the pathogens. This can only be achieved if we have good immune responses. Eating healthy, providing all the required nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, having a diverse gut microbiome by eating healthy, and drinking enough water boosts our immune responses.