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Campylobacter fetus subspecies jejuni: a common cause of diarrhea in Sweden
Abstract:
Stool samples from approximately 2,550 patients with gastrointestinal infections were cultured for bacterial pathogens between January 1978 and September 1979, and 277 campylobacter (10.9%), 183 salmonella, 89 shigella, and 17 yersinia infections were identified. Campylobacter was found in all age groups, with the majority in the age group of 20-34 years. Most cases of campylobacter diarrhea were isolated during summer or late fall. After five weeks, 90% of the patients had no Campylobacter in their stools. The incubation time was estimated to be one to six days. Campylobacter gastroenteritis, even more common than salmonella gastroenteritis, was in general not regarded as a serious disease, despite the fact that most patients had marked symptoms. Almost all patients recovered without antibiotic treatment, although in some cases the disease was long-lasting, and 50 of the 277 patients required hospitalization. Thus, Campylobacter must be considered in the diagnosis of patients with diarrhea.
Insights
Campylobacter infections were common in gastrointestinal illness patients, particularly young adults, and usually resolved within weeks. This bacterial cause of diarrhea often presents with severe symptoms but typically does not require antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Gastrointestinal infections pose a significant public health challenge.
- Bacterial pathogens are a common cause of gastroenteritis worldwide.
- Accurate identification and understanding of common pathogens are crucial for effective treatment and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the prevalence of bacterial pathogens in patients with gastrointestinal infections.
- To characterize the epidemiology and clinical features of Campylobacter infections.
- To compare the incidence of Campylobacter gastroenteritis with other common bacterial infections.
Main Methods:
- Stool samples from 2,550 patients with gastrointestinal infections were cultured.
- Bacterial pathogens were identified using standard microbiological techniques.
- Data on patient demographics, symptom onset, duration, and treatment outcomes were collected.
Main Results:
- Campylobacter was the most frequently identified bacterial pathogen (10.9%), followed by Salmonella, Shigella, and Yersinia.
- Campylobacter infections occurred across all age groups, with a peak incidence in individuals aged 20-34 years.
- Most Campylobacter infections presented with marked symptoms, seasonal peaks in summer/fall, and a median incubation period of 1-6 days. 90% cleared infection within 5 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Campylobacter gastroenteritis is a prevalent cause of diarrhea, often more common than Salmonella gastroenteritis.
- Despite generally favorable outcomes, Campylobacter infections can be severe, necessitating hospitalization in some cases.
- Campylobacter should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with diarrhea, even if symptoms appear mild.