Health problems following Campylobacter jejuni enteritis in a Lancashire population

Abstract

Objectives. Campylobacter jejuni enteritis can lead to musculoskeletal, neuropathic or other health sequelae. We investigated the coexistence, seasonal occurrence, strain‐type associations and impact on work capacity of different health problems following C. jejuni enteritis in a Lancashire population during 1999 and 2001.

Methods. A semistructured questionnaire was used to characterize health problems that occurred in the community after laboratory‐confirmed episodes of C. jejuni enteritis. The questionnaire was posted to all adults in the Preston and Chorley area who developed C. jejuni enteritis in 1999 or 2001. All Campylobacter isolates from this population were serotyped.

Results. Several types of sequelae occurred consistently in both years, including the coexistence of musculoskeletal and neuropathic problems. There was no evidence of C. jejuni strain‐type associations or seasonal preponderance for any type of sequela. The overall health impact of C. jejuni enteritis, as measured by workdays lost, was high in this population.

Conclusions. A variety of health problems occur consistently following C. jejuni enteritis and substantially increase morbidity due to campylobacteriosis in the community.