Which statement is true about Campylobacter infection?

Which statement is true about Campylobacter infection?

• A. Incubation period typically 1-7 days
• B. Incubation period always 3 days
• C. Transmission only via water
• D. Causes only GI symptoms with no complications

Answer: (A)

Campylobacter infection has a variable incubation period from exposure to symptoms, usually between one and seven days, with two to five days being most common. This range captures the typical onset window seen in many patients, so stating that the incubation period is typically 1-7 days reflects that variability. Saying it is always three days isn’t correct because there’s no fixed duration and the exact timing can differ based on the amount of bacteria ingested and host factors. Transmission isn’t limited to water; it most often comes from contaminated food—especially undercooked poultry—but can also occur via unpasteurized milk or contaminated water. And the illness isn’t restricted to the gut; it can be associated with complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and reactive arthritis in some individuals.

Campylobacter infection has a variable incubation period from exposure to symptoms, usually between one and seven days, with two to five days being most common. This range captures the typical onset window seen in many patients, so stating that the incubation period is typically 1-7 days reflects that variability. Saying it is always three days isn’t correct because there’s no fixed duration and the exact timing can differ based on the amount of bacteria ingested and host factors. Transmission isn’t limited to water; it most often comes from contaminated food—especially undercooked poultry—but can also occur via unpasteurized milk or contaminated water. And the illness isn’t restricted to the gut; it can be associated with complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and reactive arthritis in some individuals.