Incidence and control of Campylobacter in foods.

Campylobacter jejuni is known as the most common human enteropathogen in developed countries. The epidemiology of the organism has now been adequately determined and indicates that campylobacteriosis is a zoonotic disease. Pets, water, and contaminated foods are the main sources of sporadic infections in humans, and no single animal food source can be excluded as a potential vehicle for infection of humans. The available information indicates that 50 to 70% of cases of enteritis in man are associated with poultry. Cross-contamination and improper handling and cooking of foods of animal origin account for the majority of disease. Hygienic measures must be applied in order to reduce the incidence of campylobacteriosis in humans.