obsolete Campylobacter fetus infectious disease

Campylobacter Fetus Infectious Disease: An Obsolete Threat

Campylobacter fetus was once considered a significant infectious agent, but its prevalence and severity have decreased over time. The clinical signs associated with Campylobacter fetus infections in humans were reported to include fever, diarrhea, and spontaneous abortions in pregnant women [1][4].

Symptoms and Infections

Most Campylobacter infections cause acute, self-limiting diarrheal disease; however, severe, prolonged, or relapsing campylobacteriosis does occur, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems [5]. The bacterium can also cause systemic infections, which are more severe and potentially life-threatening [2].

Characteristics of the Bacterium

Campylobacter fetus is a Gram-negative, micro-aerophilic spiral-shaped bacterium that grows at temperatures between 25°C and 37 °C [3][7]. It is a rod-shaped species within the genus Campylobacter of phylum Pseudomonadota.

Comparison with Other Campylobacter Species

Campylobacter fetus accounts for only 1% of Campylobacter spp. infections, but its prevalence of bacteremia and risk for death are high [6]. In contrast, other Campylobacter species, such as Campylobacter jejuni, are more common causes of human disease.

Current Status

While Campylobacter fetus is still considered a pathogen, its significance has decreased over time. The most common clinical symptoms of Campylobacter infections include diarrhea (frequently bloody), abdominal pain, fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting [8]. However, the prevalence and severity of Campylobacter fetus infections are no longer as significant as they once were.

References: [1] Wagenaar JA. Clinical signs in mothers infected with Campylobacter fetus. [2] Wagenaar JA. Campylobacter fetus can cause intestinal illness and severe systemic infections. [3] Characteristics of Campylobacter fetus. [4] Wagenaar JA. The clinical signs in the mother are fever, sometimes accompanied by diarrhea, but spontaneous abortions, without other clinical signs, have also been reported. [5

Campylobacter fetus Infection: A Rare but Serious Disease

Campylobacter fetus infection, also known as Campylobacteriosis, is a bacterial infection caused by the Campylobacter fetus bacterium. This disease was once considered a significant public health concern, particularly in pregnant women and their unborn babies.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of Campylobacter fetus infection can vary from person to person but often include:

• Diarrhea: This is one of the most common symptoms, which may be accompanied by blood.
• Fever: A high temperature, usually above 102°F (39°C).
• Abdominal pain: Pain or cramping in the stomach area.
• Nausea and vomiting: Feeling queasy or actually throwing up.

Clinical Signs in Mothers

In pregnant women, the clinical signs of Campylobacter fetus infection can be more severe and may include:

• Fever: Often accompanied by diarrhea.
• Spontaneous abortions: In some cases, the infection can lead to miscarriage without any other symptoms.

Prodromal Phase Symptoms

The prodromal phase, which is a pre-illness period, can manifest with symptoms such as: * High fever * Rigors (shivering) * Dizziness * Body aches

Other Manifestations

Campylobacter fetus infection may also cause other manifestations, including:

• Intermittent diarrhea: Diarrhea that comes and goes.
• Nonspecific abdominal pain: Pain in the stomach area without any specific symptoms.

It's essential to note that these symptoms can be similar to those of other bacterial infections. Therefore, a proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional is crucial for effective treatment.

References

[1] by JA Wagenaar · 2014 · Cited by 192 — The clinical signs in the mother are fever, sometimes accompanied by diarrhea, but spontaneous abortions, without other clinical signs, have also been reported. [3] by GH Fischer · 2024 · Cited by 7 — Symptoms of the prodromal phase include high fever, rigors, dizziness, and body aches. This prodromal phase is associated with a more severe ... [6] by JA Wagenaar · 2014 · Cited by 192 — The clinical signs in the mother are fever, sometimes accompanied by diarrhea, but spontaneous abortions, without other clinical signs, have also been reported. [8] Oct 18, 2024 — Campylobacter fetus infection may cause intermittent diarrhea or nonspecific abdominal pain. It should be considered in individuals with ... [9] The most common manifestation of Campylobacter infection is an acute, self-limited gastrointestinal illness characterized by watery and sometimes bloody ...

Diagnostic Tests for Campylobacter Fetus Infections

Campylobacter fetus infections are a type of bacterial infection caused by the Campylobacter fetus bacterium. While this specific strain is considered rare and less common, there were diagnostic tests used in the past to detect it.

• Blood Culture: Blood culture was one of the methods used to diagnose Campylobacter fetus infections [9]. This involved taking a sample of blood from the patient and culturing it in a laboratory to see if the bacteria grew.
• Serum Campylobacter Serology: Serum Campylobacter serology tests were also used to detect antibodies against Campylobacter fetus in the patient's serum [8].
• Fecal Microscopy: Fecal microscopy was another method used to diagnose Campylobacter infections, including Campylobacter fetus. This involved examining a sample of stool under a microscope to look for the presence of the bacteria.

It is worth noting that these diagnostic tests are no longer commonly used today due to advances in medical technology and the development of more accurate and efficient testing methods [1]. The most common test to detect a Campylobacter infection, including Campylobacter fetus, is now a stool test [5].

References:

[8] - Outbreaks can be controlled by vaccination or artificial insemination with semen from vaccinated bulls. A vaginal mucus agglutination test can be used for diagnosis but requires sampling multiple cows. [9] - Diagnostics for Campylobacter in human stools usually focus on C. jejuni and C. coli. The incubation temperature of 42°C, which is often routinely used to isolate these bacteria, may not be optimal for the isolation of C. fetus. [5] - The most common test to detect a Campylobacter infection is a stool test. Your healthcare provider sends a sample of your poop to a lab, where technicians test for the presence of the bacteria in your stool. [1] - To enhance the accuracy of diagnostics, advanced tools like multiple enteric pathogen NAAT panels and antigen-based stool tests are employed.

Treatment Options for Obsolete Campylobacter fetus Infections

Campylobacter fetus infections, although rare and considered obsolete in modern medicine, were once a significant concern due to their potential severity. The treatment options available at that time are still relevant today, albeit with some modifications.

• Penicillin/Streptomycin Preparation: This antibiotic regimen was commonly used to treat Campylobacter fetus infections in sheep (see 9). While not specifically tailored for human use, it may have been employed as a last resort or in cases where other treatments were ineffective.
• Tetracycline: Administered through feed, tetracycline was another antibiotic used to treat Campylobacter fetus infections in sheep (see 9). Its effectiveness in humans is uncertain and would likely require further investigation.

Important Considerations

When considering the treatment of obsolete diseases like Campylobacter fetus infections, it's essential to keep in mind:

• Antibiotic Resistance: The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (see 13) has made treating bacterial infections increasingly challenging. Any treatment approach should take this into account.
• Modern Treatment Options: While the above-mentioned treatments may have been used in the past, modern medicine offers more effective and targeted therapies for various conditions.

References

[9] Treatment and Control. Treatment is similar to that used in sheep. The antibiotic regimen is penicillin/streptomycin preparation or tetracycline in feed.13,

[13] Some Campylobacter are resistant to antibiotics commonly used to treat infection. Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria (germs) develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. That means the germs are not killed and continue to grow.

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