[A neonate with rectal bleeding]

Rectal bleeding in neonates is commonly associated with non-significant anal fissures or with the severe condition necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). A 'banal' bacterial colitis is often considered unlikely and, subsequently, diagnostics for this condition are usually not conducted.

We describe the case of an otherwise healthy neonate who experienced rectal blood loss as a result of Campylobacterjejuni infection.

The diagnosis 'infectious colitis' should be considered in cases of rectal bleeding in neonates. Antibiotic treatment for Campylobacter infection is advised for children under the age of three months, since the risk of a fulminant disease trajectory is high in this patient group.