Campylobacter jejuni is the most common bacterial cause of infectious diarrhea and is strongly associated with which exposure?

• A. Raw fish
• B. Unpasteurized dairy
• C. Raw or poorly cooked chicken
• D. Shellfish

Answer: (C)

Campylobacter jejuni is the most common bacterial cause of infectious diarrhea, and the exposure most strongly linked to it is undercooked poultry, particularly chicken. Poultry often harbors Campylobacter in its intestinal tract, and when the meat is not cooked thoroughly, live bacteria survive and are ingested, leading to infection. Cross-contamination during food preparation also frequently spreads the organism from poultry to other surfaces or foods.

While other exposures can transmit Campylobacter (such as unpasteurized dairy), undercooked chicken remains the best-known and most common source in many settings, which is why it’s the preferred association. Proper cooking to a safe internal temperature and avoiding cross-contamination are key preventive measures.