Which of the following is an expected symptom during Campylobacter jejuni infection?

In a Campylobacter jejuni infection, one of the hallmark symptoms is diarrhea, which can be bloody. This bacterium is responsible for one of the most common forms of bacterial gastroenteritis, typically acquired through contaminated food or water, particularly undercooked poultry. The diarrhea associated with Campylobacter infection often begins as non-bloody and can develop into a more severe form that includes blood and mucus, reflecting the inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining caused by the bacteria.

The acute gastrointestinal symptoms are often accompanied by abdominal cramps, fever, and malaise. These clinical features align with the inflammatory process occurring in the gastrointestinal tract due to the pathogen. In contrast, while severe headache, chest pain, and rash can occur with a wide range of infections or illnesses, they are not specific or typically associated with Campylobacter jejuni infections. Thus, diarrhea—especially when it is bloody—remains the key symptom characteristic of this infection.