Treatment of Campylobacter jejuni
Antibiotic therapy is recommended mainly for the dysenteric Campylobacter gastroenteritis and most efficacious when started within 3 days after onset of the disease. They are not recommended in uncomplicated cases. (1)
Macrolides (e.g., azithromycin, erythromycin) are generally the treatment of choice in both children and adults (2):
- azithromycin is often the preferred macrolide due to the convenience of single dosing
- erythromycin is used less commonly, but is the recommended drug in pregnancy (3)
In children, seek expert advice. Alternative agents are ciprofloxacin or vancomycin (4)
Check the summary of product characteristics of drugs mentioned before prescribing.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Yellow Book 2024: traveler's health. Section 5: travel-associated infections & diseases - campylobacteriosis. May 2023 [internet publication].
- Riddle MS, DuPont HL, Connor BA. ACG clinical guideline: diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of acute diarrheal infections in adults. Am J Gastroenterol. 2016 May;111(5):602-22.
- World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO). WGO practice guideline: acute diarrhea. 2012 [internet publication].
- Bruzzese E, Giannattasio A, Guarino A. Antibiotic treatment of acute gastroenteritis in children. F1000Research. 2018;7:193.
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