Campylobacteriosis
Campylobacteriosis is a zoonotic disease which means it is transmissible between humans and animals. Campylobacteriosis is caused by the bacteria, Campylobacter jejuni and, occasionally, C. coli. This agent is found in mammals and birds, both domestic and wild, and humans. The bacteria is spread from feces or products of abortion to other animals and people by ingestion. Campylobacter jejuni may persist for several weeks at low temperatures in natural water sources. It is destroyed by routine disinfection.
Campylobacteriosis in Animals
Animals with this disease may show signs of diarrhea, blood in the feces, poor appetite and dehydration. Diarrhea is common in puppies. Nonhuman primates and calves may also develop diarrhea. It is a common cause of abortion in sheep. Campylobacter jejuni may be present in unpasteurized milk. Many animals, especially primates, may shed this organism but have no signs of disease. All nonhuman primates at this institution are considered to be potential shedders of the organism.
Campylobacteriosis in People
Campylobacteriosis is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in humans in the United States. Human campylobacteriosis is usually associated with ingestion of contaminated poultry, contaminated drinking water or unpasteurized (raw) milk. The agent is ingested, invades the intestinal tract and causes diarrhea. Large numbers of organisms may be shed in diarrheic stools. Ingestion of a small number of organisms may result in disease. The incubation period in people is from two to five days. The principal symptoms in people are diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting (33% of patients) and blood in their feces (50–90% of patients). Fever is often accompanied by a general malaise, headache and muscle and joint pain. The feces are liquid and frequently contain mucous and blood. The patient usually recovers in a week to ten days without treatment. Some people have severe symptoms which may be mistaken for appendicitis. Septicemia, meningitis, arthritis or abortion has occurred on rare occasions. The bacteria may be shed in the feces of untreated people for weeks to months.
Safe Work Practices
1. Use Good Personal Hygiene
- Wash your hands after animal contact and before you leave the laboratory or animal facility. Wash your hands after using the restroom.
- Do not eat, drink, use tobacco products, take or apply medicine, store human food, handle contact lenses or apply cosmetics in animal facilities and laboratories. Wash your hands before engaging in these activities. Mouth pipetting is prohibited.
- Do not drink unpasteurized (raw) milk.
2. Wear Personal Protective Equipment
- Wear protective clothing in the animal facility and laboratory. In addition to lab coats or coveralls, some facilities may require additional protective clothing such as shoe coverings or gloves.
- Do not wear soiled protective clothing outside of the laboratory or animal facility. Do not launder soiled protective clothing at home. All soiled nondisposable clothing must be institutionally laundered. Special Note: Gloves, solid front surgical gowns or wraparound smocks, shoe covers and surgical face masks are required for all nonhuman primate work.
- Wear gloves when handling infected animals or contaminated surfaces or equipment. Avoid direct contact with birthing products or feces. Wear gloves or use an implement to remove placenta from animal housing and when handling animal feces.
3. Animal Care
- Isolate sick animals from rest of the colony or herd.
- Handle and care for sick or infected animals last.
4. Cleaning and Disinfection
- Disinfect laboratory work surfaces daily and after any spills with a disinfectant approved by the facility supervisor.
- Disinfect animal areas and equipment with a disinfectant approved by the facility supervisor.
5. Avoid Exposure to Sharps
- Follow Sharps Precautions when handling sharps (surgical needles, hypodermic needles, hypodermic syringes, scalpel blades, Pasteur pipettes, glassware).
6. Waste Management
- Dispose of laboratory waste, contaminated bedding, animals, their products and items contaminated by their products as approved of by the supervisor.
- Dispose of sharps in a Biohazard Sharp Container.
7. Follow Safety Precautions
- Follow posted Safe Work Practices.
- Follow requirements for entry into and exit from posted areas.
8. Participate in the Occupational Health and Safety Program.
- Provide an annual medical health history to the Gannett Health Center.
- Report accidents, illnesses and zoonotic diseases on the Accident Report Form.
9. Notify the Supervisor
- Notify your supervisor if an animal has an abnormal birth so causes of abortion may be investigated.
- Notify your supervisor if an animal has diarrhea or if you have diarrhea that persists for more than 2 days.
10. Seek Medical Attention
- Visit the Gannett Health Center Occupational Health Professionals (607) 255-5156 for evaluation and possible treatment if you are sick or have persistent diarrhea. Let them know you are an animal worker exposed to the hazard Campylobacter spp.
Safe work practices reduce the risk of hazards to you, your coworkers and the animals you care for.
If you have any questions, contact Dr. J.M. Peralta at (607) 253-3351 or jmp13@cornell.edu