Evaluation of prevalence, predisposing factors, inter-species differences in clinical profile and outcome of Campylobacter blood-stream infections: A 7-year experience from north India

• Published in: Journal of the Epidemiology Foundation of India Vol. 2; no. 3; pp. 119 - 127
• Main Authors: Sharma, Megha, Krishnamoorthi, Sivanantham, Sreenivasan, Priya, Verma, Sanjay, Rana, Sudesh, Pal, Lakhan, Angrup, Archana, Ray, Pallab
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 30.09.2024
• ISSN: 2584-265X; 2584-265X
• DOI: 10.56450/JEFI.2024.v2i03.008

Purpose: A comprehensive study evaluating prevalence, risk factors and outcome of Campylobacter bloodstream infection (CBSI) in Indian population is lacking. Methods: A retrospective analysis of blood culture specimens positive for Campylobacter species over a 7-year period (September 2013 to August 2020) was conducted. Campylobacter species were identified using MALDI-TOF MS and patients’ details were retrieved from hospital records. Results: 39 episodes from 38 patients were reported (0.15% of all BSI), with one case of recurrence. The median age was 10 years. 54.5% patients presented with gastrointestinal symptoms. Steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome predisposed paediatric patients (27.3%) and liver cirrhosis predisposed adult patients (81.8%) to CBSI. Conclusion: C. jejuni was the most prevalent species (59%) followed by C. coli (25.6%) and C. fetus (15.4%). C. fetus infection was seen in immunocompetent patients (p=0.01) and was associated with longer hospital stay (p=0.01). Overall outcome of CBSI was good.