Campylobacter is the most common bacterial cause of diarrhoeal disease in the developed world and produces a major health and economic burden.

The causes of approximately half of human cases are unknown. Each year around 40% of cases occur during what is termed the “spring peak”. Although scientists around the world have spent more than 30 years investigating this bacterium many mysteries remain.

In this study we are seeking to solve some of these puzzles. To do this we will be looking at the roles that environmental and food pathways and their interactions can play. We will also be investigating how human behaviour and human-environment interactions could influence exposure to organisms and risk of disease.

The ENIGMA project is led by the University of Liverpool and is a large collaborative programme of research taking place across the UK.

This research is funded by the Medical Research Council, Natural Environment Research Council, Economic and Social Research Council, Biotechnology and Biosciences Research Council and Food Standards Agency, through the Environmental & Social Ecology of Human Infectious Diseases Initiative (ESEI).

Do you know of any schools who would like to take part in the Food Safety Challenge?

Visit the Food Bug Club to find FREE food safety classroom resources.

As well as inspiring resources the site provides an opportunity for food and science teachers to get pupils involved in current research. We want Years 7-11 to take The Food Safety Challenge.