Patient-reported complications associated with Campylobacter jejuni infection

Epidemiol Infect. 2010 Jul;138(7):1004-11. doi: 10.1017/S0950268809991099. Epub 2009 Nov 4.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Campylobacter Infections / complications*
  • Campylobacter jejuni*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diarrhea / complications
  • Eye Diseases / complications
  • Eye Diseases / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Heart Diseases / complications
  • Heart Diseases / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / complications
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Neuralgia / complications
  • Neuralgia / epidemiology
  • Paresthesia / complications
  • Paresthesia / epidemiology
  • Self Disclosure
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Urologic Diseases / complications
  • Urologic Diseases / epidemiology
  • Young Adult