An outbreak of bacteremic Campylobacter jejuni infection.

Abstract

During September 1980, an outbreak of bacteremic Campylobacter jejuni infection occurred in metropolitan Los Angeles. The outbreak was recognized when blood cultures obtained from 11 previously healthy persons with acute febrile illnesses (characterized in over 80% by fever, diarrhea, and headaches) were positive for C. jejuni. All recovered after an illness that lasted a mean of 8 days. A surveillance system failed to reveal a concomitant outbreak of gastroenteritis. Isolates had identical biochemical characteristics, susceptibility patterns to antimicrobial agents, and serotypes. Isolates from 2 patients were found to be susceptible to bactericidal activity of normal human serum. When bacteremic case-patients were matched with healthy controls, a significant association (p less than 0.05, odds ratio 10) between illness and consumption of processed turkey was established. Although turkey was not available for culture, and processing of turkey theoretically destroys Campylobacter, turkey carcasses are known to be heavily contaminated with the pathogen.