Final answer:
Campylobacter jejuni is a bacterium causing gastrointestinal illness, frequently through contaminated poultry or other food sources. Symptoms resolve on their own in most cases, but severe infections may need antibiotic treatment. Long-term complications, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, can occur but are rare.
Step-by-step explanation:
Campylobacter jejuni is a gram-negative, spiral-shaped bacterium with flagella that causes campylobacteriosis, a type of foodborne illness primarily spread through contaminated poultry. Symptoms include fever, nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, headache, and diarrhea, which typically last a few days to a week. The incubation period for the disease can range from a few hours to several days after consuming contaminated food.
Most cases of campylobacteriosis are self-limiting, meaning they resolve without specific treatment. Still, serious cases may require antibiotic therapy, like erythromycin or ciprofloxacin. Oral rehydration therapy is commonly used to manage dehydration. Diagnosis is made through culture and sometimes additional molecular techniques like PCR and ELISA. It is important to note that antibiotic resistance is an emerging concern with Campylobacter infections.
Some long-term complications linked to Campylobacter infection can include autoimmune conditions such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), although these are rare outcomes. Proper cooking and handling of foods can prevent infection.