What We Do
Surveillance of Campylobacter infections is conducted by the National Reference Center for Campylobacter and Helicobacter in collaboration with Santé publique France. This surveillance enables the monitoring of trends in these infections in France.
Epidemiological surveillance of Campylobacter infections
A surveillance system based on a network of volunteer laboratories
Epidemiological surveillance of Campylobacter infections relies on a network of clinical laboratories and hospital laboratories that systematically screen for Campylobacter in all stool samples (stool culture) and voluntarily submit the isolated strains to the National Reference Center (NRC) for Campylobacter and Helicobacter.
The submitted strains are accompanied by a form that collects demographic, epidemiological, and biological information. Since 2013, laboratories using the same methods as the NRC have been able to enter data directly online via a secure application.
Better understanding of the strains involved
For each strain received from participating laboratories, the NRC performs species characterization and antibiotic susceptibility testing. The objectives of this surveillance are to:
Describe the epidemiological characteristics of Campylobacter infections occurring in humans
Track temporal and spatial trends in the incidence of Campylobacter infections
Monitor antibiotic resistance in Campylobacter.
Data from the laboratory network are supplemented by mandatory reporting (MR) of foodborne illness outbreaks (FBI).
Prevent Campylobacter infections through appropriate measures
For everyone
Santé publique France reminds the public that the prevention of Campylobacter infections relies primarily on individual measures. Particular attention must be paid to hygiene recommendations in the kitchen for certain populations that may be particularly susceptible to foodborne infections (the elderly, young children, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women).
Campylobacteriosis – ANSES Report
10 Tips for Avoiding Food Poisoning – Infographic from ANSES
During pregnancy: Pay special attention to foodborne infections
To prevent foodborne infections in pregnant women, including Campylobacter infections, Santé publique France highlights informational materials on food safety guidelines to follow during pregnancy.
Downloadable publication
The Pregnancy Nutrition Guide
In relation to
Outbreaks of foodborne illness
thematic dossier
A foodborne illness outbreak is defined as the occurrence of at least two cases with similar symptoms—typically gastrointestinal—that can be traced to a single food source. In France, such...
