Campylobacter Upsaliensis Gastroenteritis: A Case Report

Introduction: Gastroenteritis is a major public health issue, especially in developing countries where it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Numerous infectious agents can be implicated. Among them, Campylobacter upsaliensis is an emerging zoonotic pathogen, rarely isolated in humans, but capable of causing gastroenteritis or bacteremia. Through the observation of an isolated case in the bacteriology laboratory of the Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, we report the involvement of C. upsaliensis in human pathology. Patient and Observation: Ms. S.H., 34 years old, followed for common variable immunodeficiency and receiving immunoglobulin therapy, was admitted for continuation of her substitution treatment. She had been presenting chronic watery diarrhea and recurrent infections following the discontinuation of corticosteroid therapy initiated for a systemic granuloma. During hospitalization, she developed acute diarrhea. Clinical examination revealed hepatosplenomegaly. Laboratory tests showed anemia, lymphopenia, cholestasis without cytolysis, hypoproteinemia, and hypogammaglobulinemia. Stool culture isolated Campylobacter upsaliensis and Candida albicans. She was treated with erythromycin, with favorable clinical outcome. Results: Clinically, C. upsaliensis mainly causes mild, self-limiting gastroenteritis, but can also lead to severe conditions such as bacteremia, neurological or renal syndromes, and unusual infections. Acute diarrhea represents a major public health issue due to its high prevalence and significant impact on morbidity and mortality, particularly among immunocompromised individuals and individuals at the extremes of age. Among the bacterial pathogens involved, Campylobacter holds a prominent position. Campylobacter upsaliensis, an emerging species, is primarily transmitted to humans through contaminated food or direct contact with carrier dogs and cats. Microbiologically, it is a fastidious, motile, Gram-negative bacillus, isolate