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Campylobacter Infections, Pediatric

Matthew P. Kronman, MD, MSCE Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Campylobacter species are motile, curved, gram-negative bacilli that are commensal flora of birds, pigs, and cattle and commonly cause bacterial gastroenteritis in humans. 

EPIDEMIOLOGY

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Enteritis is characterized by fever, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea.

  • Symptoms can last for 24 hours and be indistinguishable from viral gastroenteritis or appendicitis, or can be ...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

Immunocompetent children with diarrhea usually improve with rehydration alone. 

MEDICATION

First Line

  • Most patients have self-limited infection.

  • Selected patient populations (HIV...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • In untreated patients, the median organism excretion is 2 to 3 weeks but can be up to 3 months.

  • Asymptomatic carriage is uncommon.

DIET

Avoid under...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Amour C, Gratz J, Mduma E, et al; for Etiology, Risk Factors, and Interactions of Enteric Infections and Malnutrition, the Consequences for Child Health and Development Project Netw...

CODES

ICD9

008.43 Intestinal infection due to campylobacter 

ICD10

A04.5 Campylobacter enteritis 

SNOMED

  • 18081009 enteric campylobacteriosis (disorder)

  • 447354007 Intestinal infection due to Campylobacter je...

FAQ

  • Q: Is treatment necessary for asymptomatic children when Campylobacter is isolated as the pathogen causing the enteritis?

  • A: No treatment is needed in this situation.

  • Q: Can one develop immunity to ...

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