Campylobacter infection

Campylobacter infection is one of the leading causes of acute diarrhea worldwide and is the most commonly reported bacterial cause of acute gastroenteritis in developed countries. It is also a major cause of traveler's diarrhea.

Campylobacter jejuni is the primary cause of acute enteritis, causing 80% to 90% of all cases of recognized illness due to Campylobacter infection. Campylobacter coli is the second most common cause of acute enteritis. Campylobacter fetus is a rare cause of extra-intestinal infection, mainly in immunocompromised people.

Campylobacter organisms are carried by a wide variety of wild and domestic animals, most commonly birds. Most C jejuni infections in humans come from the consumption of infected poultry. Other sources include unpasteurized dairy products, untreated water, seafood and contaminated produce.

Diarrhea is usually self-limited and resolves in 5-7 days. Campylobacter bacteremia is very rare.

Fluid and electrolyte replacement is essential. Only a small proportion of patients benefit from antimicrobial therapy.

C jejuni infection is a commonly identified antecedent to Guillain-Barre syndrome. C fetus is associated with endovascular problems (e.g., mycotic aneurysm, septic thrombophlebitis).

Bacteria of the genus Campylobacter cause a variety of infections, most commonly acute diarrheal illnesses.[1]Man SM. The clinical importance of emerging Campylobacter species. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2011 Oct 25;8(12):669-85. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22025030?tool=bestpractice.com [2]Centers​ for Disease Control and Prevention. Campylobacter infection (Campylobacteriosis). Jan 2025 [internet publication]. https://www.cdc.gov/campylobacter/site.html#hcp ​​​ In older individuals, immunocompromised patients, and those with liver disease, Campylobacter infection can cause bacteremia or extraintestinal infection.[3]Kaakoush NO, Castaño-Rodríguez N, Michell HM, Man SM. Global epidemiology of Campylobacter infection. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2015 Jul;28(3):687-720. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4462680 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26062576?tool=bestpractice.com ​​ There are many species of Campylobacter- eleven of them cause human illness, including enteric and extraintestinal disease. The major human pathogens are C jejuni and C coli, which usually cause acute enteritis, and C fetus, which is the major pathogen causing extraintestinal illnesses.​[1]Man SM. The clinical importance of emerging Campylobacter species. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2011 Oct 25;8(12):669-85. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22025030?tool=bestpractice.com [Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: ​Microscopic image of Campylobacter demonstrating curved shaped rods; 48-hour culture of Campylobacter jejuniDr Robert Weaver, Image Library, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Citation ends].