Abortion and perinatal sepsis associated with campylobacter infection

Fetal loss or neonatal sepsis associated with campylobacter infection during pregnancy is infrequently recognized. As reported herein, one case of premature labor and neonatal sepsis due to Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus was treated successfully with ampicillin and gentamicin. Only 19 similar cases have been cited in the literature. A review of these 19 cases reveals that the Campylobacter species involved were probably C. fetus subspecies fetus in nine instances, Campylobacter jejuni in nine, and Campylobacter coli in one. There were no significant species-related differences in clinical presentation or outcome. Eighteen of 20 pregnancies (including tht described herein) ended prematurely at 13-32 weeks of gestation. All of the mothers survived, but fetal/neonatal mortality was 80%. The pathogenesis of campylobacter infection in this situation probably involves maternal bacteremia originating from the bowel, with subsequent feto-placental involvement. Early recognition and treatment may improve fetal/neonatal outcome.