Campylobacter fetus

Gram Stain

• Gram negative bacilli curved, S-shaped or spiral (fastidious)

Clinical Significance

This organism causes a systemic illness with/without diarrheal symptoms, often in debilitated/immunocompromised patients.

It has been associated with premature labour, septic abortion, bacteremia, neonatal sepsis, meningoencephalitis, brain abscesses, prosthetic joint infections, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, endocarditis, urinary tract infections, and proctitis/proctocolitis.

Prolonged therapy may be required due to high risk for relapse.

Usual Susceptibility Pattern

C. fetus has been successfully treated with ampicillin, aminoglycosides, or imipenem.