Is Campylobacter coli infection in an otherwise healthy 8‑month‑old infant with uncomplicated diarrhea a reportable disease?

Is Campylobacter coli Infection Reportable?

Yes, Campylobacter coli infection is a reportable disease in the United States and must be reported to your local or state health department. 1

Reporting Requirements

• All diseases listed in the CDC's National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) must be reported to the appropriate state, territorial, or local health department, including Campylobacter infections. 1

• Healthcare providers are legally required to report diseases as determined by local, state, or territorial law or regulation, as outlined in each jurisdiction's list of reportable conditions. 1

• The specific reporting requirements and timelines should be obtained from your local, state, or territorial health department, as these may vary by jurisdiction. 1

Why Campylobacter Is Reportable

• Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli are among the most common causes of bacterial gastroenteritis in the United States, with C. jejuni/C. coli reported more frequently than Salmonella and Shigella combined in some surveillance systems. 2, 3

• Reporting enables public health authorities to detect outbreaks, implement control measures, and identify sources of infection to guide preventive strategies specific to the community at risk. 1

• Laboratory-based surveillance systems rely on clinician reporting to detect both localized and widely dispersed outbreaks, making individual case reports critical to public health surveillance. 1, 2

Clinical Context for This Case

• Even though this is an otherwise healthy 8-month-old with uncomplicated diarrhea, the infection remains reportable regardless of severity or clinical outcome. 1

• Infants aged 0-4 years have the highest incidence of campylobacteriosis, with attack rates of 184 cases per 100,000 per year in this age group. 2

• Approximately 90% of campylobacteriosis cases are caused by C. jejuni, while less than 10% are caused by C. coli, but both species are reportable. 4

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not assume that mild or uncomplicated cases do not require reporting—all laboratory-confirmed Campylobacter infections must be reported regardless of clinical severity. 1

• Do not delay reporting while awaiting clinical resolution—report as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed by laboratory testing. 1

• Be aware that most Campylobacter infections are sporadic cases rather than outbreak-associated, but individual case reporting remains essential for detecting clusters and outbreaks. 1, 4