Campylobacter-associated enterocolitis in childhood. Report of a fatal case.

The full clinical range of Campylobacter fetus enterocolitis has become apparent only recently. This case study describes the clinical and pathologic findings in a chronically ill child who developed signs of inflammatory bowel disease. Following a negative bacteriologic culture, Crohn's disease was diagnosed by roentgenographic criteria. A trial of immunosuppressive therapy failed, and a repeat of microbiologic examination identified a heavy growth of Campylobacter fetus ss. jejuni. Various complications developed and the patient died with a coagulopathy and a widespread enterocolitis. The role of the Campylobacter in this clinical setting of inflammatory bowel disease is discussed in light of current understanding.