Diagnosis of Campylobacter Infection

What to know

  • Campylobacter infection is diagnosed by a laboratory test.
  • Most people recover without using antibiotics.
  • Laboratory tests can provide information that your healthcare provider can use to make treatment decisions.
A hand with a blue glove on holding a petri dish with bacteria growing on its red medium inside.

Why get tested

Campylobacter infections can sometimes be serious.

This is especially true for people at risk for severe illness – including people 65 years and older, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems.

Types of tests

Campylobacter infection is diagnosed by a laboratory test.

This test could be

  • A rapid diagnostic test that detects genetic material of the bacteria, or
  • A culture test that grows the bacteria.

Rapid tests allow doctors to quickly determine the cause of a patient’s illness. Culture tests allow doctors to learn more information about the Campylobacter causing infection. This information can help guide treatment decisions.

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Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)