Campylobacter enteritis associated with undercooked barbecued chicken

Abstract

An outbreak of Campylobacter enteritis occurred in 1982 among 11 of 15 members and friends of an extended family gathering in Colorado. Median onset for illness, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever and headache, was four days after the party. Illness was associated with eating undercooked chicken. Two ill persons had stool specimens positive for C. jejuni. Eight of ten ill persons tested had Immunoglobulin-M-specific indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) titers to C. jejuni greater than or equal to 32. IFA titers to C. jejuni peaked within three weeks of exposure and decreased to control levels within three months after exposure. Inadequate cooking of poultry may increase the risk of these infections.