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Campylobacter enterocolitis
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
|June 1, 1981
Summary
Campylobacter fetus subspecies jejuni can cause bloody diarrhea and colitis, often seen in patients with infected dogs. Erythromycin therapy effectively treats this enterocolitis, which is increasingly common.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Campylobacter fetus subspecies jejuni is an emerging cause of enterocolitis, potentially surpassing Salmonella and Shigella in frequency.
- While often causing mild, watery diarrhea, it can also present as acute colitis.
Observation:
- Four patients presented with bloody diarrhea and colitis attributed to Campylobacter fetus subspecies jejuni.
- Two of these patients had pet dogs that also tested positive for Campylobacter fetus in their stools.
Findings:
- All four patients demonstrated a rapid and complete recovery following treatment with erythromycin.
- The clinical and pathological presentation of acute colitis caused by Campylobacter fetus subspecies jejuni is indistinguishable from other causes of acute colitis.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider Campylobacter fetus subspecies jejuni in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with bloody diarrhea and acute colitis.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment with erythromycin can lead to favorable outcomes.
- Recognizing the increasing prevalence of this pathogen is crucial for public health and clinical management.