Campylobacter Study, 2026
About Campylobacter
Campylobacter are germs that can make people ill with diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever. The illness is called campylobacteriosis.
People can get campylobacteriosis from drinking raw (unpasteurised) milk, eating undercooked chicken, and drinking water that has been contaminated. You can also get it from travel abroad or from touching animals that carry Campylobacter.
Children aged under 5 years, people aged over 60 years, farm workers, food handlers and travellers to developing countries are the groups most at risk of infection.
Most people get better in about a week. Some people may feel unwell for longer. In Europe, about one in ten cases need to go to hospital. A very small number — 1 in 1,000 people — can develop a rare complication that affects the brain and nerves called Guillain–Barré Syndrome. Another 1 in 1,000 people die from the infection.
In Ireland, the number of people with campylobacteriosis is increasing.
About our study
This study will help us find out what makes people more likely to get Campylobacter.
We will compare two groups of people:
Cases who were diagnosed with a Campylobacter infection.
Controls who did NOT get sick but are similar in age, geographic location, etc. to the cases.
Both groups will be asked to complete an online questionnaire. It will include questions about things that may increase the risk of infection, such as:
- Foods they ate
- How they handled food
- Whether they travelled abroad
- Contact with animals
After collecting all the information, we will compare the two groups to see which foods, activities, or behaviours were linked to getting sick. This will help us understand how campylobacteriosis spreads and how it can be prevented.
Campylobacter Study, 2026 - Frequently Asked Questions
What is this study about?
This study collects information to help us understand how people get Campylobacter infections and how to prevent infections in the future. Taking part is your choice. If you decide not to take part, your healthcare will not be affected in any way.
What is Campylobacter?
Campylobacter is a bacterial infection. It is a common cause of diarrhea and stomach cramps. Most people get better in about a week. Some people may feel unwell for longer.
Why have I been invited?
You were recently confirmed as being ill with Campylobacter infection on Computerised Infectious Disease Reporting (CIDR) which is the national surveillance system for infectious diseases in Ireland.
Do I have to take part?
No, it is not compulsory to take part in the study. It is completely up to you. If you say no, it will not affect your care or services in any way.
You may withdraw from the study up until a certain point. After that, your data will already be made anonymous and cannot be removed.
What will I be asked to do?
You will be asked to complete a survey about your health and about foods, water, travel, and contact with animals in recent weeks.
This information will help us identify the risk factors associated with campylobacter infection.
How long will it take?
The survey takes about 20 minutes to complete.
Can I complete the study on behalf of my child, someone who cannot answer for themselves, or a person I care for?
If the person is under 16 years:
A parent or guardian must complete the survey for them. Please remember the questions refer to the young person and not to yourself. For more details, see the HSE Digital Services Standard: https://www2.healthservice.hse.ie/organisation/national-pppgs/hse-national-policy-digital-services-standard/
If the person is 16 years or older:
They can complete the survey themselves without parental or guardian consent.
If the person is incapacitated:
A carer may answer the survey on their behalf. Please remember the questions refer to the individual and not yourself. You can ask a friend or relative to help you complete the online survey.
Are there any benefits to taking part in the study?
Your participation helps improve understanding and prevention of Campylobacter infection for others. It will assist HSE HPSC to make recommendations to inform public health interventions including prevention, risk communication and policy development. You may not benefit directly.
Are there any risks?
There are no expected serious risks from taking part in this study.
Will taking part cost me anything?
No. There is no cost to you.
How is my privacy protected?
Your data is protected by GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). We keep your information safe and it can only be accessed by the study team at HSE HPSC. Reports do not include your name or anything that can identify you.
How long will you keep my data?
We plan to keep data for up to 3 years after the study finishes.
Who is conducting and funding the study?
The HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) is conducting the study. The study is jointly funded by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), Safefood and HSE HPSC.
What if I have a complaint or concern?
Please contact the study team (details below).
Who do I contact if I have a medical query?
Please consult your GP if you have a medical query.
Who can I contact if I have a question?
Principal Investigator: Mairead Madigan
Email: Campylobacter.Study@hpsc.ie
Address: HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), 25-27 Middle Gardiner Street, Dublin 1,
D01 A4A3
Phone: (01) 876 5300