You are in: eMedicine Specialties > Infectious Diseases > MEDICAL TOPICS Campylobacter InfectionsArticle Last Updated: Feb 20, 2007AUTHOR AND EDITOR INFORMATIONAuthor: Mahmud H Javid, MD, Chief, Section of Infectious Diseases, Shifa Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan Mahmud H Javid is a member of the following medical societies: Infectious Diseases Society of America Coauthor(s): Shadab Ahmed, MD, Director HIV Prevention Services, Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Nassau University Medical Center, State University of New York at Stony Brook Editors: Douglas A Drevets, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Disease, Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center; Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine; Michael Stuart Bronze, MD, Professor, Stewart G Wolf Chair in Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center; Eleftherios Mylonakis, MD, Clinical and Research Fellow, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital; Burke A Cunha, MD, Professor of Medicine, State University of New York School of Medicine at Stony Brook; Chief, Infectious Disease Division, Winthrop-University Hospital Author and Editor Disclosure Synonyms and related keywords: Campylobacter infection, diarrhea, dysentery, enteric infection, enteritis, gastroenteritis, campylobacteriosis, Campylobacter jejuni, C jejuni, Campylobacter fetus, C fetus, Campylobacter lari, C lari, Campylobacter upsaliensis, C upsaliensis, Campylobacter hyointestinalis, C hyointestinalis, Campylobacter pylori, C pylori, Helicobacter pylori, H pylori, Helicobacter cinaedi, H cinaedi, Helicobacter fennelliae, H fennelliae, enterocolitis, proctocolitis, bacteremia, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, AIDS, human immunodeficiency virus, HIV, traveler's diarrhea, toxic megacolon, pseudoappendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease, IBD, Guillain-Barré syndrome INTRODUCTIONBackgroundCampylobacter infections are among the most common bacterial infections in humans. They produce both diarrheal and systemic illnesses. In industrialized regions, enteric infection produces an inflammatory, sometimes bloody, diarrhea or dysentery syndrome. Campylobacter jejuni is usually the most common cause of community-acquired inflammatory enteritis. In developing regions, the diarrhea may be watery. Campylobacter-like organisms can produce an enterocolitis/proctocolitis syndrome in homosexual males, who are at increased risk for infections caused by Helicobacter cinaedi and Helicobacter fennelliae. C jejuni may also produce serious bacteremic conditions in individuals with AIDS. Most reported bacteremias have been due to Campylobacter fetus fetus. Campylobacter lari, which is found in healthy seagulls, has also been reported to produce mild recurrent diarrhea in children. Campylobacter upsaliensis may cause diarrhea or bacteremia, while Campylobacter hyointestinalis, which has biochemical characteristics similar to those of C fetus, causes occasional bacteremia in immunocompromised individuals. Campylobacter organisms may also be an important cause of traveler's diarrhea, especially in Thailand and surrounding areas of Southeast Asia. In a study of American military personnel deployed in Thailand, more than half of those developing diarrhea were found to be infected with Campylobacter species. These organisms are related to Helicobacter pylori, which was previously known as Campylobacter pylori. No reservoir other than the human gastric mucosa has been identified for H pylori. PathophysiologyThe known routes of transmission are fecal-oral, person-to-person sexual contact, unpasteurized raw milk and poultry ingestion, and waterborne (ie, through contaminated water supplies). Exposure to sick pets, especially puppies, has also been associated with outbreaks. Transmission occurs most commonly from infected animals and their food products. Most human infections result from the consumption of improperly cooked or contaminated foodstuffs. Chickens may account for 50-70% of infections. In most colonized animals, a lifelong carrier state develops. The infectious dose is 1000-10,000 bacteria. Infection has occurred after ingestion of 500 organisms by a volunteer; however, illness is infrequent with a dose of less than 10,000 organisms. Campylobacter species are sensitive to hydrochloric acid in the stomach, and antacid treatment can reduce the amount of inoculum needed to cause disease. Symptoms begin after an incubation period of up to a week. The sites of tissue injury include the jejunum, the ileum, and the colon. C jejuni appears to invade and destroy epithelial cells. C jejuni organisms are attracted to mucus and fucose in bile, and the flagella may be important in both chemotaxis and adherence to epithelial cells or mucus. Adherence may also involve lipopolysaccharides or other outer membrane components. Such adherence would promote gut colonization. PEB 1 is a superficial antigen that appears to be a major adhesin and is conserved among C jejuni strains. Some strains of C jejuni produce a heat-labile, choleralike enterotoxin, which is important in the watery diarrhea observed in infections. The organism produces diffuse, bloody, edematous, and exudative enteritis. The inflammatory infiltrate consists of neutrophils, mononuclear cells, and eosinophils. Crypt abscesses in the epithelial glands and ulceration of the mucosal epithelium are present. Cytotoxin production has been reported in strains from patients with bloody diarrhea. In a small number of cases, the infection may be associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura through a poorly understood mechanism. Endothelial cell injury, mediated by endotoxins or immune complexes, is followed by intravascular coagulation and thrombotic microangiopathy in the glomerulus and the gastrointestinal mucosa. In patients with HIV, infections may be more frequent, may cause prolonged or recurrent diarrhea, and may be more commonly associated with bacteremia and antibiotic resistance. C fetus is covered with a surface S-layer protein that functions like a capsule and disrupts c3b binding to the organisms, resulting in both serum and phagocytosis resistance. C jejuni infections also show recurrence in children and adults with immunoglobulin deficiencies. Acute infection confers short-term immunity. Patients develop specific immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies in serum; IgA antibodies also develop in intestinal secretions. The severity and persistence of infection in patients with AIDS and hypogammaglobulinemia indicates that both cell-mediated and humoral immunity are important in preventing and terminating infection. FrequencyUnited StatesExact figures are not available, but an estimated 2 million cases of Campylobacter enteritis occur annually, accounting for 5-7% of cases of gastroenteritis. A large animal reservoir is present, with up to 100% of poultry, including chickens, turkeys, and waterfowl having asymptomatic infections in their intestinal tracts. The major reservoirs of C fetus are cattle and sheep. InternationalC jejuni infections are extremely common worldwide. Exact figures are not available. The highest national rate of campylobacteriosis was reported by New Zealand, which peaked in May 2006 at 400 per 100,000 population.1 Mortality/MorbidityThe disease is usually self-limited without any mortality. Exact figures are unavailable, but occasional deaths occur in young, previously healthy individuals because of volume depletion and in persons who are elderly or immunocompromised. RaceNo clear racial predominance is evident. SexThe organism is isolated more frequently from males than females. Homosexual men appear to be at increased risk for infection with atypical Campylobacter species such as Helicobacter cinaedi and Helicobacter fennelliae. AgeInfection can occur in all age groups.
CLINICALHistoryThe spectrum of disease can range from asymptomatic to severe, life-threatening colitis with toxic megacolon.
Physical
CausesCampylobacter organisms are curved or spiral, motile, non–spore-forming, gram-negative rods. Organisms from young cultures have a vibriolike appearance, but, after 48 hours of incubation, organisms appear coccoid. Campylobacter organisms are motile by means of unipolar or bipolar flagellae. They are both oxidase- and catalase-positive and microaerophilic, requiring reduced oxygen (5-10%) and increased carbon dioxide (3-10%). The organisms grow slowly, with 3-4 days required for primary isolation from stool samples, and even longer from blood. DIFFERENTIALSArteriovenous Malformations Clostridium Difficile Colitis Inflammatory Bowel Disease Mesenteric Artery Ischemia Salmonellosis Shigellosis Yersinia Enterocolitica
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| Drug Name | Erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, E.E.S.) |
|---|---|
| Description | DOC for Campylobacter infections. Macrolide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial growth by blocking dissociation of peptidyl t-RNA from ribosomes, causing RNA-dependent protein synthesis to arrest. For C jejuni (not C fetus) infections. |
| Adult Dose | 500 mg erythromycin stearate, base, or estolate salts (or 400 mg ethylsuccinate) PO q6h; alternatively, 333 mg (as base) PO q8h |
| Pediatric Dose | 30-50 mg/kg/d, base or ethylsuccinate, PO divided q6-8h for 5-7 d; not to exceed 1 g/d |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; hepatic impairment |
| Interactions | Coadministration may increase toxicity of theophylline, digoxin, carbamazepine, and cyclosporine; may potentiate anticoagulant effects of warfarin; coadministration with lovastatin and simvastatin increases risk of rhabdomyolysis; inhibits CYP1A2, CYP 3A4 isoenzymes |
| Pregnancy | B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals |
| Precautions | Caution in patients with liver disease; estolate formulation may cause cholestatic jaundice; adverse GI effects are common (give doses pc); discontinue use if nausea, vomiting, malaise, abdominal colic, or fever occurs |
| Drug Name | Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) |
|---|---|
| Description | Synthetic, broad-spectrum antibacterial compounds. Novel mechanism of action, targeting bacterial topoisomerases II and IV, leads to a sudden cessation of DNA replication. Oral bioavailability is nearly 100%. For C jejuni (not C fetus) infections. |
| Adult Dose | 500 mg PO bid for 5-7 d |
| Pediatric Dose | <18 years: Not recommended >18 years: Administer as in adults |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity |
| Interactions | Antacids, iron, and zinc salts may reduce serum levels; administer antacids 2-4 h before or after taking fluoroquinolones; cimetidine and probenecid may increase levels of fluoroquinolones; reduces therapeutic effects of phenytoin; probenecid may increase serum concentrations; fluoroquinolones may increase serum levels of theophylline, caffeine, cyclosporine, and digoxin (monitor digoxin levels); may increase effects of anticoagulants (monitor PT) |
| Pregnancy | C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus |
| Precautions | In prolonged therapy, perform periodic evaluations of organ system functions (eg, renal, hepatic, hematopoietic); adjust dose in patients with renal function impairment; superinfections may occur with prolonged or repeated antibiotic therapy; do not use in pediatrics as first-line agent because of cartilage damage in young animals; may cause CNS toxicity |
| Drug Name | Clindamycin (Cleocin) |
|---|---|
| Description | Lincosamide for treatment of serious skin and soft tissue staphylococcal infections. Also effective against aerobic and anaerobic streptococci (except enterococci). Inhibits bacterial growth, possibly by blocking dissociation of peptidyl t-RNA from ribosomes, causing RNA-dependent protein synthesis to arrest. |
| Adult Dose | 150-300 mg/dose PO q8h |
| Pediatric Dose | 8-20 mg/kg/d PO as hydrochloride (caps) or 8-25 mg/kg/d PO as palmitate (oral susp) divided tid/qid; not to exceed 1.8 g/d 20-40 mg/kg/d IV divided tid/qid; not to exceed 4.8 g/d |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; regional enteritis; ulcerative colitis; hepatic impairment; antibiotic-associated colitis |
| Interactions | Increases duration of neuromuscular blockade induced by tubocurarine and pancuronium; erythromycin may antagonize effects; antidiarrheals may delay absorption of clindamycin |
| Pregnancy | B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals |
| Precautions | Adjust dose in severe hepatic dysfunction; no adjustment necessary in patients with renal insufficiency; associated with severe and possibly fatal colitis by allowing overgrowth of Clostridium difficile |
| Drug Name | Doxycycline (Bio-Tab, Doryx, Vibramycin, Doxy, Vibra-Tabs) |
|---|---|
| Description | Inhibits protein synthesis and thus bacterial growth by binding to 30S and possibly 50S ribosomal subunits of susceptible bacteria. For C jejuni (not C fetus) infections. |
| Adult Dose | 200 mg PO/IV immediately and 100 mg hs, followed by 100 mg bid for 3 d; alternatively, 100-200 mg PO for 14 d |
| Pediatric Dose | <8 years: Not recommended >8 years: 2-5 mg/kg/d PO in 1-2 divided doses; PO not to exceed 200 mg/d |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; severe hepatic dysfunction |
| Interactions | Bioavailability decreases with antacids containing aluminum, calcium, magnesium, iron, or bismuth subsalicylate; tetracyclines can increase hypoprothrombinemic effects of anticoagulants; tetracyclines can decrease effects of oral contraceptives, causing breakthrough bleeding and increased risk of pregnancy |
| Pregnancy | D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus |
| Precautions | Photosensitivity may occur with prolonged exposure to sunlight or tanning equipment; reduce dose in renal impairment; consider drug serum level determinations in prolonged therapy; tetracycline use during tooth development (last half of pregnancy through age 8 y) can cause permanent discoloration of teeth; Fanconilike syndrome may occur with outdated tetracyclines. |
| Drug Name | Levofloxacin (Levaquin) |
|---|---|
| Description | For pseudomonal infections and infections due to multidrug resistant gram-negative organisms. For C jejuni (not for C fetus) infections. |
| Adult Dose | 500 mg PO qd |
| Pediatric Dose | <18 years: Not recommended >18 years: Administer as in adults |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity |
| Interactions | Antacids, iron salts, and zinc salts may reduce serum levels; administer antacids 2-4 h before or after taking fluoroquinolones; cimetidine may interfere with metabolism of fluoroquinolones; levofloxacin reduces therapeutic effects of phenytoin; probenecid may increase levofloxacin serum concentrations; may increase toxicity of theophylline, caffeine, cyclosporine, and digoxin (monitor digoxin levels); may increase effects of anticoagulants (monitor PT) |
| Pregnancy | C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus |
| Precautions | In prolonged therapy, perform periodic evaluations of organ system functions (eg, renal, hepatic, hematopoietic); adjust dose in renal function impairment; superinfections may occur with prolonged or repeated antibiotic therapy |
| Drug Name | Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) |
|---|---|
| Description | Third-generation cephalosporin with broad-spectrum, gram-negative activity; lower efficacy against gram-positive organisms; higher efficacy against resistant organisms. Arrests bacterial growth by binding to one or more penicillin-binding proteins. For C fetus (not C jejuni) infections. |
| Adult Dose | 1 g IV qd |
| Pediatric Dose | Neonates > 7 d: 25-50 mg/kg/d IV/IM; not to exceed 125 mg/d Infants and children: 50-75 mg/kg/d IV/IM divided q12h; not to exceed 2 g/d |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity |
| Interactions | Probenecid may increase ceftriaxone levels; coadministration with ethacrynic acid, furosemide, and aminoglycosides may increase nephrotoxicity |
| Pregnancy | B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals |
| Precautions | Adjust dose in severe renal insufficiency (high doses may cause CNS toxicity); superinfections, and promotion of nonsusceptible organisms may occur with prolonged use or repeated therapy; caution in breastfeeding women |
| Drug Name | Gentamicin (Garamycin, Gentacidin) |
|---|---|
| Description | Aminoglycoside antibiotic for gram-negative coverage. Used in combination with both an agent against gram-positive organisms and one that covers anaerobes. Not the DOC. Consider if penicillins or other less toxic drugs are contraindicated, when clinically indicated, and in mixed infections caused by susceptible staphylococci and gram-negative organisms. Dosing regimens are numerous; adjust dose based on CrCl and changes in volume of distribution. May be administered IV/IM. For C fetus (not C jejuni) infections. |
| Adult Dose | Serious infections and normal renal function: 3 mg/kg/dose IV q8h Loading dose and maintenance dose: 1-2.5 mg/kg IV and 1-1.5 mg/kg IV, respectively, q8h or may be administered as a single daily dose |
| Pediatric Dose | <5 years: 2.5 mg/kg/dose IV/IM q8h >5 years: 1.5-2.5 mg/kg/dose IV/IM q8h or 6-7.5 mg/kg/d divided q8h; not to exceed 300 mg/d; monitor as in adults |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; non–dialysis-dependent renal insufficiency |
| Interactions | Coadministration with other aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, penicillins, and amphotericin B may increase nephrotoxicity; because aminoglycosides enhance effects of neuromuscular blocking agents prolonged respiratory depression may occur; coadministration with loop diuretics may increase auditory toxicity of aminoglycosides; possible irreversible hearing loss of varying degrees may occur (monitor regularly) |
| Pregnancy | C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus |
| Precautions | Narrow therapeutic index (not intended for long-term therapy); caution in renal failure (not on dialysis), myasthenia gravis, hypocalcemia, and conditions that depress neuromuscular transmission; adjust dose in renal impairment |
| Drug Name | Imipenem and cilastatin (Primaxin) |
|---|---|
| Description | For treatment of multiple organism infections in which other agents do not have wide-spectrum coverage or are contraindicated because of potential for toxicity. For C fetus (not C jejuni) infection. |
| Adult Dose | Base initial dose on severity of infection, and administer in equally divided doses; dose may range from 250-500 mg q6h IV for a maximum of 3-4 g/d; alternatively, 500-750 mg q12h IM or intra-abdominally |
| Pediatric Dose | <3 months: Not established Infants > 3 months and children <12 years: 15-25 mg/kg/dose IV q6h Fully susceptible organisms: Not to exceed 2 g/d Infections with moderately susceptible organisms: Not to exceed 4 g/d >12 years: Administer as in adults |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity |
| Interactions | Coadministration with cyclosporine, may increase adverse CNS effects of both agents; coadministration with ganciclovir may result in generalized seizures |
| Pregnancy | C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus |
| Precautions | Adjust dose in renal insufficiency; avoid use in children <12 y |
Campylobacter Infections excerpt
Article Last Updated: Feb 20, 2007