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Campylobacter, from obscurity to celebrity
1Department of Human Ecology, Faculty of Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium. jean-paul.butzler@pandora.be
Summary
Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis, often acquired from poultry. Fluoroquinolone resistance is a growing concern due to its use in food animals.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Campylobacter jejuni, isolated in the 1970s, is a primary cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in humans.
- Human campylobacteriosis incidence peaks in infants and young adults (15-44 years) in industrialized nations.
Observation:
- The most common presentation is acute, self-limiting gastrointestinal illness with diarrhea, fever, and cramps.
- Diagnosis is simplified by selective media, though actual cases likely exceed reported numbers.
- Acquisition in industrialized countries is mainly through poultry; in developing nations, risk factors include contaminated water and animal contact.
Findings:
- Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare complication (1 in 1000 infections).
- Fluoroquinolone resistance in C. jejuni emerged in the late 1980s/1995, accelerated by veterinary use.
- C. jejuni remains susceptible in Australia, where fluoroquinolones are not used in food animals.
Implications:
- The full public health impact of Campylobacter species beyond C. jejuni/C. coli is unknown.
- Improved diagnostic methods are needed to accurately assess the burden of these organisms.
- Understanding transmission and resistance patterns is crucial for public health interventions.