Rare Case of Campylobacter jejuni Bacteremia in a Pediatric Patient with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Clinical Management, Pathophysiology, and Public Health Implications.

Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide; however, systemic infections such as bacteremia remain rare, particularly in immunocompetent individuals. This case report presents a rare instance of C. jejuni bacteremia in a 12-year-old girl undergoing chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), emphasizing the increased vulnerability of immunocompromised pediatric patients. The patient was admitted with febrile neutropenia, mucositis, and diarrhea. Blood cultures taken at admission signaled positive after 90 hours, and the isolate was identified as C. jejuni using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed sensitivity to erythromycin, which led to successful treatment and recovery following a 10-day antibiotic course. The case illustrates the pathophysiological role of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and mucosal barrier damage in facilitating bacterial translocation and systemic infection. It also highlights diagnostic challenges due to the fastidious nature and slow growth of the organism, reinforcing the importance of rapid diagnostic tools and targeted therapy based on susceptibility results. In an era of rising antimicrobial resistance and growing populations of immunocompromised patients, this report underscores the critical need for heightened clinical awareness, robust laboratory support, and preventive public health strategies to mitigate the risk of severe Campylobacter infections in vulnerable groups.