[Campylobacter infection in children].

Enteritis by Campylobacter jejuni/coli is by far the most frequent clinical entity of campylobacter-infection. It may be compared to salmonella-enteritis as for its epidemiologic importance. The course of the disease may be dramatic, but can be successfully treated as soon as the pathogen is known. In prematures and newborn babies infections with Campylobacter fetus ssp. fetus are life-threatening and early diagnosis is of life-saving importance. Five observations of campylobacter-enteritis in children aged 2, 8, and 10 years are reported. They were characterized by high fever frequent loose, watery stools with blood, leucocytosis or leucopenia and elevated BSR. All children became asymptomatic with symptomatic treatment, without specific antibacterial therapy. The importance of campylobacter-infections, their diagnosis and course of disease in children are discussed.