Campylobacter jejuni Bacteremia in an Immunocompromised Host: A Rare Case Report

Campylobacter jejuni is a common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis and typically produces a self-limited illness in immunocompetent hosts. Bacteremia is rare and is usually described in patients with immunosuppression or significant comorbidities, with risk for severe systemic complications if diagnosis is delayed. We report a case of Campylobacter jejuni bacteremia in a 41-year-old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obstructive sleep apnea who presented with fever, chills, and profuse watery diarrhea after consuming convenience-store food. Blood cultures obtained at an outside facility later grew C. jejuni. By the time of admission, gastrointestinal symptoms had been resolved, and he was hemodynamically stable. Laboratory evaluation showed normal leukocyte count and mild transaminitis, and computed tomography demonstrated ileocecal enterocolitis. He was treated with azithromycin, and repeat blood cultures were negative; he achieved complete clinical recovery. This case emphasizes the importance of reviewing pending blood culture results and initiating timely macrolide therapy to prevent systemic complications. This case is notable for delayed bacteremia despite resolution of gastrointestinal symptoms and highlights the importance of reviewing pending blood culture results.