Campylobacter enteritis in the acute surgical ward

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases
• Surgical Emergencies

Background:

• Campylobacter jejuni is a significant cause of acute infectious diarrheal illness.
• Campylobacter enteritis can present with severe symptoms that mimic surgical abdominal emergencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the clinical course and management of patients with campylobacter enteritis presenting as acute surgical admissions.
• To highlight the diagnostic challenges posed by campylobacter enteritis in differentiating it from acute surgical conditions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of eight patients with campylobacter enteritis admitted for surgical evaluation.
• Analysis of clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

• Eight patients with campylobacter enteritis required surgical admission due to severe symptoms.
• The clinical presentation made differentiation from acute surgical emergencies, such as appendicitis, difficult.
• One patient underwent an unnecessary appendicectomy due to diagnostic uncertainty.

Conclusions:

• Campylobacter enteritis can present atypically, mimicking surgical emergencies and leading to misdiagnosis.
• Increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance are necessary for patients with severe abdominal pain and diarrhea.
• Appropriate diagnostic approaches can prevent unnecessary surgical interventions for campylobacter enteritis.