see also:

• gastroenteritis

• Campylobacter is a relatively common cause of enteritis and usually diagnosed on stool culture
• most patients do not need specific Rx as it is usually self limiting
• asymptomatic contacts do not need either stool cultures or treatment.
• all patients with positive stool cultures should be notified to State Govt - see in infectious diseases
• antibiotic Rx may shorten the duration of faecal carriage following resolution of symptoms.
• patients with severe symptoms, prolonged symptoms, 3rd trimester pregnancy, food handlers or childcare assistances may be considered for either:
  • erythromycin:
    • adults 500 mg (child: 10 mg/kg up to 500 mg) orally, 6-hourly for 5 to 7 days
    • or erythromycin (ethyl succinate formulation) adult 800 mg (child: 20 mg/kg up to 800 mg) orally, 6-hourly for 5 to 7 days
  • norfloxacin:
    • adults 400 mg (child: 10 mg/kg up to 400 mg) orally, 12-hourly for 5 days
• bacteraemic disease occurs rarely and may need treatment with gentamicin or ciprofloxacin.
• resistance to macrolide antibiotics and fluoroquinolones appears to be increasing.