[Campylobacter jejuni and HIV infection]

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) is a common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis.
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection can predispose individuals to opportunistic infections.
• Chronic diarrhea is a significant clinical manifestation in patients with advanced HIV/AIDS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize Campylobacter jejuni infections in patients with HIV.
• To investigate the relationship between immune status (CD4 count) and C. jejuni infection severity.
• To assess clinical presentation, treatment response, and antibiotic resistance patterns.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series of HIV-positive patients with chronic diarrhea and C. jejuni in stool culture.
• Data collected included epidemiological factors, opportunistic infections, CD4 counts, clinical symptoms, and antibiotic sensitivity.
• Patient outcomes and evolution of the infection were monitored.

Main Results:

• Six HIV-positive patients (4 male, 2 female, average age 38) presented with C. jejuni-associated chronic diarrhea.
• Lower CD4 counts correlated with increased illness severity, including fever and bacteremia.
• Two patients with CD4 counts below 100/mm3 experienced bacteremia, liver enzyme changes, and co-infections.

Conclusions:

• C. jejuni infection is an important cause of chronic diarrhea in HIV-positive individuals.
• Disease severity is influenced by CD4+ T-cell count, co-existing gastrointestinal infections, and chronic liver disease.
• Macrolide antibiotic resistance can occur, particularly in chronic and severe C. jejuni infections.