Campylobacter gastroenteritis associated with convulsions: Case report and review of the literature

Posted by Bill Marler on June 30, 2010

Journal Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Publisher IOS Press, ISSN 1305-7707 (Print), 1305-7693 (Online), Issue Volume 5, Number 2 / 2010, DOI 10.3233/JPI-2010-0234, Pages 199-201

Authors

Arnon Broides1, Raffi Lev-Tzion1, Eugene Leibovitz2

1Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
2Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel

Abstract

We present a case of a child with generalized convulsions and dysentery caused by Campylobacter jejunii and review the pediatric literature published on this topic. Our case, as well as previous reports, suggests that in a child with convulsions and dysentery, the differential diagnosis should include shigellosis and also Campylobacter spp. infection. Because azithromycin provides appropriate coverage for both etiologies and in light of the present case, we suggest that it be considered in addition to parenteral ceftriaxone in severe cases of dysentery with or without convulsions.

Saratoga Springs Campylobacter Outbreaks Sickens 300

Posted by Campylobacter Lawyer on June 09, 2010

The Campylobacter outbreak that left more than 300 people in Saratoga Springs ill and triggered a boil order appears to be receding, according to the Utah County Department of Health.

"We're thinking that the outbreak is decreasing out there," said Joy Holbrook, a nurse epidemiologist with the department. "It has been several days since we've had any new cases from Saratoga Springs."

Though Holbrook said she couldn't predict when the outbreak would end, "the pattern would show that if it's continuing to decline, that it will just go away, and that's what we're hoping for."  Some Saratoga Springs residents are still reporting illness. Because the health department only receives cases of Campylobacter confirmed in a laboratory, Holbrook said there "may be some people who are sick that we are not aware of, who have not been tested."

Health department officials still are looking for the source of the contamination, which is responsible for 21 confirmed cases of Campylobacter and more than 300 probable cases. Holbrook said the small trace of organisms required to cause sickness and infection can be difficult to detect.