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Campylobacter jejuni in the stomach
P Sahay1, A P West, D Birkenhead
1Scunthorpe General Hospital, South Humberside.
Journal of Medical Microbiology
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Campylobacter jejuni, a common cause of enteritis, was unexpectedly found in a gastric ulcer biopsy. This highlights the need for accurate laboratory identification beyond morphology to avoid misidentification.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of bacterial enteritis in the UK.
- Gastric ulcers are often investigated via gastroscopy and biopsy.
Observation:
- A 74-year-old female patient presented with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
- Gastroscopy revealed a gastric ulcer, and biopsy samples were collected.
Findings:
- Microscopic examination of gastric biopsy revealed spiral gram-negative bacteria.
- Culture yielded moderate growth of Campylobacter jejuni.
- Identification was confirmed using biochemical tests and PCR amplification of the fla A gene.
Implications:
- Laboratories must use reliable methods, such as rapid urease tests, for identifying bacteria in gastric biopsies.
- Relying solely on microscopic morphology can lead to misidentification of organisms like Campylobacter jejuni.
- Accurate identification is crucial for appropriate patient management and understanding disease etiology.