During an 8-year study period, Arcobacter butzleri was the fourth most common Campylobacter -like organism isolated from 67,599 stool specimens. Our observations suggest that A. butzleri displays microbiologic and clinical features similar to those of Campylobacter jejuni ; however, A. butzleri is more frequently associated with a persistent, watery diarrhea.

Fluoroquinolones should be considered in the treatment of severe C. upsaliensis and A. butzleri infection. When clinically indicated, erythromycin remains the first choice for the treatment of intestinal campylobacteriosis caused by C. concisus and C. fetus.

These data suggest that the ProSpecT Campylobacter Microplate Assay is a rapid and easy-to-use test for the detection of both C. jejuni and C. coli in stool specimens. It could be used for patients for whom early antibiotic therapy is needed or for epidemiologic studies.

This first survey of S. aureus colonization in the Belgian CF population indicated a diversity in local prevalence rates and in proportion of oxacillin-resistant and SCV phenotypes, probably related to variation in bacteriological methods. These findings underscore the need for standard S. aureus detection methods and MRSA control policies in Belgian CF centres.