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Infection with Campylobacter fetus
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 1984
Abstract:
Over a 4-yr period (1978-1982) about 1 000 cases of campylobacter infection were diagnosed at our laboratory in Helsinki, but only 4 proved to be due to Campylobacter fetus. All these 4 patients had fever, 3 had diarrhoea and 1 arthritis and thrombophlebitis. The diagnosis was made from blood cultures in all cases; in 1 case the bacterium was also isolated from stools.
Insights
Campylobacter fetus infections are rare, accounting for only 4 of 1,000 diagnosed Campylobacter cases over four years. These rare infections presented with severe symptoms like fever, diarrhea, arthritis, and thrombophlebitis.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Campylobacter infections are common bacterial illnesses.
- Campylobacter fetus is a less common species within the Campylobacter genus.
Observation:
- A laboratory in Helsinki diagnosed approximately 1,000 Campylobacter infections between 1978 and 1982.
- Only 4 of these cases were identified as Campylobacter fetus infections.
Findings:
- All 4 patients with Campylobacter fetus infection experienced fever.
- Symptoms included diarrhea in 3 patients and arthritis and thrombophlebitis in 1 patient.
- Diagnosis was confirmed via blood cultures in all cases, with stool culture positive in one instance.
Implications:
- Highlights the low incidence of Campylobacter fetus compared to other Campylobacter species.
- Underscores the importance of blood cultures for diagnosing invasive Campylobacter fetus infections.
- Suggests Campylobacter fetus can cause severe systemic illness, including arthritis and thrombophlebitis.