Patient-reported complications associated with Campylobacter jejuni infection

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of complications, especially musculoskeletal symptoms, after sporadic Campylobacter jejuni enteritis of domestic origin in Finland. This multi-centre cross-sectional study was conducted during a seasonal peak in 2002. Questionnaires were sent to Campylobacter-positive patients, representing different geographical areas, 2 months after collection of positive stool samples. Medical records were viewed in several cases. Besides antimicrobial susceptibility testing C. jejuni isolates were serotyped. A total of 235 patients (58%) returned the questionnaire and 201 C. jejuni-positive patients were finally included in the study. Musculoskeletal symptoms associated with C. jejuni enteritis were frequent (39%); joint pain was most commonly reported (81%). The incidence of reactive arthritis was 4% and that of Achilles enthesopathy and/or heel pain was 9%. Stomach ache during enteritis was associated with the later development of joint pain. Antimicrobial treatment was common but did not prevent complications.

Reactive arthritis in a population exposed to an extensive waterborne gastroenteritis outbreak after sewage contamination in Pirkanmaa, Finland

“…In a questionnaire study of patients with Campylobacter jejuni enteritis, musculoskeletal symptoms were common (39%) but mostly mild, and only 13% visited a physician. The occurrence of ReA in that study was 4% (9).…”

Factors Associated with Sequelae of Campylobacter and Non-typhoidal Salmonella Infections: A Systematic Review

“…Thirty-seven studies reported ReA following Campylobacter ( n  = 19) and NTS infections ( n  = 26) (Buxton et al, 2002, Bremell et al, 1991, Dworkin et al, 2001, Eastmond, 1983, Ekman et al, 2000, Gumpel et al, 1981, Hakansson et al, 1976, Hannu et al, 2002a, Hannu et al, 2002b, Helms et al, 2006, Pitkanen et al, 1981, Lee et al, 2005, Locht et al, 1993, Locht and Krogfelt, 2002, Locht et al, 2002, Mattila et al, 1994, Mattila et al, 1998, McColl et al, 2000, Petersen et al, 1996, Pitkanen et al, 1983, Ponka et al, 1984, Rohekar et al, 2008, Rudwaleit et al, 2001, Samuel et al, 1995, Schiellerup et al, 2008, Schoenberg-Norio et al, 2010, Short et al, 1982, Ternhag et al, 2008, Thomson et al, 1992, Thomson et al, 1994, Townes et al, 2008a, Tuompo et al, 2013, Uotila et al, 2014, Urfer et al, 2000, Doorduyn et al, 2008, Arnedo-Pena et al, 2010, Eastmond et al, 1983, Melby et al, 1990) in up to 63% of patients with either infection (Supplementary Table 4). The majority of studies reported ReA triggered by Campylobacter ( n  = 14) or NTS infection ( n  = 18) in < 10% of patients with gastroenteritis.…”

Practical Guidance for Clinical Microbiology Laboratories: Diagnosis of Bacterial Gastroenteritis

“…In 5% of cases, arthritis is chronic or relapsing (57). Symptoms typically begin 3 to 40 days postdiarrhea and most commonly affect the knees (58). GBS is an acute paralytic disease of the peripheral nervous system and is seen in approximately 0.1% of Campylobacter cases.…”