What is the antibiotic treatment for Campylobacter (Cambylobacter) infections?

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From the Guidelines

Azithromycin is the first-line treatment for Campylobacter infections, with a recommended dose of 500 mg once daily for 3 days in adults. This recommendation is based on the strongest and most recent evidence, which suggests that azithromycin is effective in reducing symptom duration and preventing complications in Campylobacter infections 1. The use of azithromycin is particularly recommended in cases of dysentery or febrile diarrhea, where the likelihood of fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter is high 1.

Some key points to consider when treating Campylobacter infections include:

  • The importance of prompt treatment, especially in severe cases with high fever, bloody diarrhea, or immunocompromised status 1
  • The need for adequate hydration during treatment, and the potential benefits of probiotics in restoring gut flora 1
  • The increasing concern of fluoroquinolone resistance in Campylobacter infections, which may limit the effectiveness of fluoroquinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin 1
  • The potential for macrolide resistance, which may require alternative treatment options 1

In terms of specific treatment regimens, the following options may be considered:

  • Azithromycin 500 mg once daily for 3 days in adults 1
  • Azithromycin 10 mg/kg/day for 3 days in children 1
  • Fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice daily for 5-7 days in severe infections or immunocompromised patients, although increasing resistance is a concern 1

Overall, the choice of antibiotic treatment for Campylobacter infections should be guided by the severity of the infection, the likelihood of antibiotic resistance, and the patient's individual needs and circumstances. Azithromycin remains the preferred first-line treatment option due to its efficacy, safety, and relatively low risk of resistance 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Infectious Diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli (enterotoxigenic strains), Campylobacter jejuni, Shigella boydii†, Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella flexneri or Shigella sonnei† when antibacterial therapy is indicated.

Le traitement antibiotique pour les infections à Campylobacter est la ciprofloxacine [@\1@]. Il est important de noter que la ciprofloxacine doit être utilisée uniquement pour traiter ou prévenir les infections causées par des bactéries sensibles.

  • Les tests de culture et de sensibilité doivent être effectués avant le traitement pour isoler et identifier les organismes responsables de l'infection et déterminer leur sensibilité à la ciprofloxacine.
  • La thérapie avec de la ciprofloxacine peut être initiée avant que les résultats de ces tests ne soient connus, mais une thérapie appropriée doit être continuée une fois que les résultats sont disponibles.

From the Research

Traitement Antibiotique de Campylobacter

Les infections à Campylobacter sont souvent auto-limitées, mais un traitement antimicrobien est nécessaire dans les cas graves ou prolongés.

  • Les macrolides, les fluoroquinolones et les tetracyclines sont parmi les antimicrobiens couramment recommandés pour le traitement des infections à Campylobacter 2, 3.
  • La résistance aux antimicrobiens est un problème croissant, en particulier aux fluoroquinolones et aux macrolides 3, 4.
  • Les méthodes de détermination de la sensibilité aux antimicrobiens, telles que la dilution en agar et la microdilution en bouillon, sont essentielles pour guider la thérapie et surveiller l'évolution de la résistance 2.
  • La résistance aux tetracyclines et aux fluoroquinolones est fréquemment rapportée, mais la résistance à l'érythromycine et à la gentamicine reste faible 2.

Résistance aux Antimicrobiens

  • La résistance aux fluoroquinolones et aux macrolides est principalement due à des mutations ponctuelles dans la région V de l'ARNr 23S 4.
  • Le retrait des fluoroquinolones de l'utilisation dans l'industrie avicole a contribué à réduire la prévalence des souches résistantes de Campylobacter 5.
  • Les cliniciens doivent être conscients de la possibilité de résistance aux antimicrobiens et choisir les traitements en conséquence, en fonction des résultats des tests de sensibilité 2, 6.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter species and the withdrawal of fluoroquinolones from use in poultry: a public health success story.

Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 2007

Research

Susceptibility of clinical isolates of Campylobacter pylori to twenty-one antimicrobial agents.

European journal of clinical microbiology & infectious diseases : official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology, 1988

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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