Neonatal Campylobacter Infection: A Diagnosis that should be Borne in Mind

Abstract

Campylobacter infection is an important cause of gastroenteritis worldwide [1] but systemic infection in a healthy host is rare [2,3]. Although the rarity, infants are at increased risk of complications [2], moreover the newborns. Their immune system is immature, more susceptible to bacteraemia, and grossly bloody stools or fever may be the only manifestations of a serious disease [4]. The most common transmission is through contaminated food or water. However, fecal-oral transmission has also been reported, especially between household contacts, preschool children in daycare and through household pets' infection [2]. There are some reported cases associated with pets, inclusive with the same infective microorganism identified by molecular studies [2]. This case was described in order to warn the importance of suspect a Campylobacter infection when a newborn present nonspecific symptoms, associated with stool changes. The prompt recognition of the microorganism is the key to start specific treatment and avoid the bacteremia and the bad prognosis.