Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
Subtyping of Campylobacter jejuni ssp. doylei Isolates Using Mass Spectrometry-based PhyloProteomics (MSPP)
Published on: October 30, 2016
Campylobacter enteritis in the United States. A multicenter study
Abstract:
During a 15-month study, 8097 fecal specimens submitted to clinical microbiology laboratories at eight hospitals in different parts of the United States were examined. Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from 4.6%, Salmonella from 2.3%, and Shigella from 1.0%. Isolation rates for each pathogen were highest from stool specimens that were watery, bloody, or contained leukocytes. The peak isolation rate for C. jejuni was in persons ages 10 to 29 years; for Salmonella, in children younger than age 10 years; and for Shigella, in children ages 5 to 9 years. The clinical features of the three infections were nearly identical. In contrast, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, tenesmus, and abnormal sigmoidoscopy findings were present significantly more often in patients infected with C. jejuni than in a control group of patients with diarrhea. Of patients with leukocytes in their stools and a history of fever, 45.9% were infected with one of the three pathogens. Use of laboratory and clinical findings defined groups with high or low risk of these three infections but could not accurately predict isolation. Fecal cultures had the highest yields when obtained from patients within 7 days from the onset of symptoms.
Insights
This study found that Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella, and Shigella are common causes of diarrhea. Early fecal cultures within 7 days of symptom onset improve pathogen detection rates.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Bacterial enteric infections are a significant cause of diarrheal illness.
- Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella, and Shigella are common bacterial pathogens.
- Understanding their prevalence and clinical presentation is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella, and Shigella in diarrheal stool specimens.
- To identify risk factors and clinical features associated with these infections.
- To evaluate the optimal timing for fecal culture collection.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 8097 fecal specimens from eight US hospitals over 15 months.
- Isolation and identification of bacterial pathogens using standard microbiology techniques.
- Correlation of pathogen isolation with stool characteristics, patient demographics, and clinical symptoms.
Main Results:
- Prevalence rates: Campylobacter jejuni (4.6%), Salmonella (2.3%), Shigella (1.0%).
- Higher isolation rates observed in watery, bloody stools, or those with leukocytes.
- Peak incidence varied by pathogen: C. jejuni (10-29 years), Salmonella (<10 years), Shigella (5-9 years).
- Clinical features were similar, but C. jejuni infections showed more severe symptoms compared to controls.
- Fecal cultures yielded best results within 7 days of symptom onset.
Conclusions:
- Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella, and Shigella are prevalent causes of bacterial diarrhea.
- Stool characteristics and patient age are associated with specific pathogen infections.
- Early fecal culture collection is recommended for improved diagnostic yield.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
01:23Stringent Response in E. coli
01:23Investigation of Disease Outbreaks
01:18Bacterial Gastroenteritis