Differences in the Clinical Characteristics of Campylobacteriosis between Immunocompromised and Immunocompetent Patients: a Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study in Japan.

BACKGROUND

Despite growing concerns about the invasiveness of Campylobacter infections in patients with comorbidities, the clinical features of campylobacteriosis in immunocompromised hosts remain unclear.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study on campylobacteriosis to investigate the clinical features of patients with immunosuppressive conditions in a university hospital in Japan between 2010 and 2023. The patients were classified into immunocompetent and immunocompromised groups. The clinical characteristics of the disease were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

In total, 200 patients were included: 126 in the immunocompetent group and 74 in the immunocompromised group. Patients in the immunocompromised group were significantly associated with bacteremia, especially hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, those with hematological malignancies, and those who received chemotherapy or steroids. Among cases with enteritis, compared with the immunocompetent group, the immunocompromised group was more likely to lack bloody stool. Prolonged duration of diarrhea over 30 days was observed in 6% of cases with diarrhea and was associated with hematological malignancy, receipt of chemotherapy, low immunoglobulin G level, and the use of rituximab. Concomitant infection with cytomegalovirus was commonly seen among cases with a prolonged duration of diarrhea.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that the clinical presentation of campylobacteriosis is affected by the patients' immune status.