Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni

Gram Stain

• Gram negative bacilli curved, S-shaped or spiral (fastidious)

Clinical Significance

These organisms are found in the gastrointestinal tracts of both wild and domesticated animals where they can either represent colonizers or pathogens.

Most human infections result from consumption of contaminated food or water and rarely from direct contact with infected animals. The incubation period is typically 3 days with a range of 1-7 days

C. coli - associated with diarrheal illness that tends to be milder than C. jejuni.

C. jejuni - associated with self-limiting diarrhea (3-7 days). Bacteremia can rarely occur in patients at extremes of ages. This organism has rarely been associated with septic abortions, acute cholecystitis, pancreatitis, cystitis, septic arthritis, and meningitis

Antibiotic therapy is indicated if:

-bloody diarrhea
-high fever
-prolonged symptoms (> 1 week)
-pregnancy
-immunocompromised
-relapse (5-10% of untreated persons)

Usual Susceptibility Pattern

These organisms are resistant to penicillins and narrow spectrum cephalosporins but may be susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanate (but not piperacillin-tazobactam).

Resistance to quinolones is rapidly emerging worldwide.

Susceptibility to TMP/SMX and 3rd generation cephalosporins is variable.

Campylobacter spp are typically susceptible to macrolides (except C. coli), gentamicin, tetracyclines, carbapenems, and clindamycin.

Note: Antibiotics started on 2nd/3rd day of illness do not have impact on duration of symptoms.