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Non-Clostridium difficile Bacterial Infection in an Acute Flare of Crohn's Disease: A Case Report and Literature

N T Phan, P T Ho, N P Ma

    La Clinica Terapeutica
    |July 29, 2025
    PubMed

    Insights

    Diagnosing Crohn's disease flares can be challenging. This case highlights identifying Campylobacter infections using multiplex PCR, improving treatment outcomes for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

    Area of Science:

    • Gastroenterology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Molecular Diagnostics

    Background:

    • Crohn's disease exacerbations are difficult to distinguish from infections.
    • Non-Clostridium difficile enteric infections are often overlooked in Crohn's patients.
    • Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and patient outcomes.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To report a case of Campylobacter infection mimicking a Crohn's disease flare.
    • To emphasize the diagnostic utility of multiplex PCR in identifying enteric pathogens.
    • To highlight the importance of considering non-C. difficile infections in Crohn's disease management.

    Main Methods:

    • Case report of a 17-year-old male with known Crohn's disease.
    • Initial treatment with ciprofloxacin was ineffective.
    • Stool culture failed to identify the pathogen.
    • Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing identified Campylobacter species.

    Main Results:

    • Campylobacter species were identified as the causative agent.
    • Azithromycin therapy led to significant clinical improvement.
    • Multiplex PCR provided rapid and accurate pathogen identification.
    • Traditional methods like stool culture were insufficient.

    Conclusions:

    • Non-Clostridium difficile enteric infections should be considered in Crohn's disease flares.
    • Multiplex PCR is a valuable tool for rapid pathogen detection in complex cases.
    • Timely diagnosis and targeted therapy improve outcomes for Crohn's patients with superimposed infections.

    Keywords:
    CampylobacterClostridium difficileCrohn’s diseaseEnteric infection

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