Can Campylobacter Cause Seizures?

Campylobacter food poisoning is an infection caused by bacteria.

Campylobacter is a bacterial infection, that is transmitted from contaminated food, water, other people and pets. Its symptoms range from none to severe, including abdominal cramping and pain, blood in the feces and fever. Complications include arthritis, convulsions, meningitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome and dehydration.

Causes

Many animals carry Campylobacter in their intestines, especially chicken, which can contaminate meat taken from the animals. Contaminated water or milk can also carry the bacteria. Pets and people can transmit the bacteria unintentionally or through poor hygiene.

Symptoms

Campylobacter infects the lining of the intestines and can sometimes infect other parts of the body. Symptoms of Campylobacter can sometimes be mistaken for a cold, the flu, appendicitis or a stomach virus. Normally, symptoms include fever, abdominal cramps and mild to severe diarrhea that usually lasts for about a week. Campylobacter bacteria can also sometimes cause appendicitis if it spreads from the intestine.

Seizures

In rare cases, patients can have convulsions, or seizures, from high fever, dehydration and blood chemistry imbalance, in association with Campylobacter. Seizures can occur with any illness which causes diarrhea, dehydration and blood chemistry imbalance because the body is not receiving the proper elements it needs to function.

Additional Complications

Rare complications include meningitis, inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord; urinary tract infections; reactive arthritis, a temporary stiffening of the joints; and Guillain-Barre syndrome, a type of paralysis.

Treatment

Fluids and electrolytes are given to patients to rehydrate them and bring their blood chemistry back to normal. Antibiotics may be given if there is a high fever, worsening of symptoms or if patients have weak immune systems.

Prevention

Wash hands often and clean food surfaces thoroughly. Separate meats from other groceries when storing and preparing them; wrap them well. Cook foods to recommended temperatures and chill foods to recommended temperatures when storing. Wash raw vegetables before eating.

References

• USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service: Campylobacter Questions and Answers
• Kids Health from Nemours: Campylobacter Infections
• BioMed Central: Benign afebrile cluster convulsions with gastroenteritis: an observational study

Resources

• eMedicine: Campylobacter Infections: Treatment & Medication