[Campylobacter fetus ssp fetus septicemia associated with a colonic abscess]

Campylobacter is considered to be an opportunistic agent. The authors relate an unusual case with Campylobacter fetus ssp fetus (CF) septicemia and colic abscess. Human Campylobacteriosis is presumed to be a food-born disease related to contaminated animal products such as milk or meat. In some cases CF may be transmitted by drinking water or by fecal soiling via the hands. Conventional treatment uses macrolides with decrease the duration of diarrhea and reduce the fecal excretion of CF. Macrolides are ineffective in CF septicemias. In such cases aminoglycosides seem to be the drug of choice.