Perinatal Campylobacter fetus ss jejuni enteritis

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide.
• Neonatal infections with Campylobacter jejuni are rare but can be severe.
• Understanding transmission routes and host immune responses is crucial for prevention and treatment.

Observation:

• A 2-day-old breast-fed infant presented with mucoid and bloody diarrhea.
• Campylobacter fetus subspecies jejuni was isolated from the infant's stool but not blood.
• The infant's mother experienced similar symptoms one day prior, suggesting a transmission source.

Findings:

• The infant's illness was attributed to Campylobacter jejuni infection, likely acquired from his mother.
• Both the infant and mother demonstrated specific IgM, IgG, and IgA antibody responses to Campylobacter jejuni.
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) confirmed the antibody responses to both autologous and reciprocal bacterial strains.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for mother-to-infant transmission of Campylobacter jejuni.
• The study demonstrates an active immune response in both mother and neonate to Campylobacter jejuni infection.
• Further research into neonatal Campylobacter jejuni infections and associated immune responses is warranted.