Campylobacteriosis, 2008

Campylobacter continues to be the most commonly reported bacterial enteric pathogen in Minnesota (Figure 2). There were 886 cases of culture-confirmed Campylobacter infections reported in 2008 (17.0 per 100,000 population). This is similar to the 907 cases reported in 2007, and to the median annual number of cases reported from 2001 to 2007 (median, 907 cases; range, 843 to 953). In 2008, 48% of cases occurred in people who resided in the metropolitan area. Of the 861 Campylobacter isolates confirmed and identified to species by MDH, 89% were C. jejuni and 9% were C. coli.

The median age of case-patients was 34 years (range, 1 month to 94 years). Forty-six percent of cases were between 20 and 49 years of age, and 14% were 5 years of age or younger. Fifty-five percent of cases were male. Thirteen percent of case-patients were hospitalized; the median length of hospitalization was 2 days. Forty-four percent of infections occurred during June through September. Of the 792 (89%) case-patients for whom data were available, 164 (21%) reported travel outside of the United States during the week prior to illness onset. The most common travel destinations were Mexico (n=41), Europe (n=32), Central or South America or the Caribbean (n=27), and Asia (n=16). There were two outbreaks of campylobacteriosis identified in Minnesota in 2008; both were associated with raw milk consumption.

A primary feature of public health importance among Campylobacter cases was the continued presence of Campylobacter isolates resistant to fluoroquinolone antibiotics (eg, ciprofloxacin), which are commonly used to treat campylobacteriosis. In 2008, the overall proportion of quinolone resistance among Campylobacter isolates tested was 24%. However, 70% of Campylobacter isolates from patients with a history of foreign travel during the week prior to illness onset, regardless of destination, were resistant to fluoroquinolones. Twelve percent of Campylobacter isolates from patients who acquired the infection domestically were resistant to fluoroquinolones.

• For up to date information see>> Campylobacteriosis (Campylobacter)
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2008