From the Guidelines
Salmonella and Campylobacter are two bacteria that cause infectious enteritis with potential for long-term colonization in immunocompetent hosts, with Campylobacter being a common cause of gastroenteritis from seafood on the East Coast, particularly from undercooked poultry, unpasteurized milk, or contaminated water 1. The most common bacterial infection from seafood on the East Coast is actually Vibrio parahaemolyticus, which causes gastroenteritis after consumption of undercooked seafood, particularly during warmer months. Regarding Campylobacter, four significant complications include:
- Guillain-Barré syndrome (an autoimmune disorder causing ascending paralysis)
- Reactive arthritis (joint inflammation following infection)
- Bacteremia (bacteria entering the bloodstream)
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as a post-infectious complication Campylobacter jejuni is typically acquired from undercooked poultry, unpasteurized milk, or contaminated water, causing fever, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea. Treatment involves supportive care with fluid replacement, though antibiotics like azithromycin (500mg daily for 3 days) or ciprofloxacin (500mg twice daily for 5-7 days) may be used in severe cases or immunocompromised patients, as supported by recent guidelines 1. Azithromycin is recommended as the first-line agent in cases of dysentery due to its efficacy and low resistance rates, particularly in areas with high rates of fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter 1. These complications occur because Campylobacter's molecular mimicry can trigger autoimmune responses, while its ability to invade intestinal mucosa can lead to persistent inflammation and systemic spread in some individuals. It is essential to consider the severity of illness, regional patterns of probable target pathogens, and their antimicrobial resistance when selecting an empiric antibiotic for treatment 1.
From the Research
Bacteria Causing Infectious Enteritis
- Two bacteria that cause infectious enteritis and can lead to long-term colonization in immunocompetent hosts are not explicitly mentioned in the provided studies. However, Campylobacter spp. is a common cause of infectious enteritis, but it is not typically associated with long-term colonization in immunocompetent hosts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Most Common Bacterial Infection from Seafood on the East Coast
- The most common bacterial infection from seafood on the east coast is not explicitly mentioned in the provided studies. However, Campylobacter is mentioned as a common cause of foodborne illness, but it is more commonly associated with poultry and dairy products than seafood 2, 3.