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[Campylobacter infection in children]
Insights
Campylobacter jejuni/coli enteritis is a common infection in children, often presenting with fever and bloody diarrhea. Symptomatic treatment led to recovery in five pediatric cases, highlighting the importance of diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Campylobacter infections are a significant cause of enteritis, comparable in epidemiological importance to Salmonella.
- While Campylobacter jejuni/coli enteritis can be severe, prompt diagnosis allows for effective treatment.
- Infections with Campylobacter fetus ssp. fetus in neonates are life-threatening, underscoring the critical need for early diagnosis.
Observation:
- Five cases of Campylobacter enteritis in children aged 2, 8, and 10 years were observed.
- Clinical presentation included high fever, frequent watery, bloody stools, and altered white blood cell counts (leukocytosis or leukopenia).
- Elevated Blood Sedimentation Rate (BSR) was noted in the observed cases.
Findings:
- All five children recovered and became asymptomatic.
- Recovery was achieved through symptomatic treatment alone, without the need for specific antibacterial therapy.
- The study emphasizes the importance of recognizing Campylobacter infections in children.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and symptomatic management are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric Campylobacter enteritis.
- Understanding the clinical presentation and course of Campylobacter infections aids in timely intervention.
- This study contributes to the knowledge base for managing Campylobacter infections in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
Enteritis by Campylobacter jejuni/coli is by far the most frequent clinical entity of campylobacter-infection. It may be compared to salmonella-enteritis as for its epidemiologic importance. The course of the disease may be dramatic, but can be successfully treated as soon as the pathogen is known. In prematures and newborn babies infections with Campylobacter fetus ssp. fetus are life-threatening and early diagnosis is of life-saving importance. Five observations of campylobacter-enteritis in children aged 2, 8, and 10 years are reported. They were characterized by high fever frequent loose, watery stools with blood, leucocytosis or leucopenia and elevated BSR. All children became asymptomatic with symptomatic treatment, without specific antibacterial therapy. The importance of campylobacter-infections, their diagnosis and course of disease in children are discussed.